ampule breaker/snapper thread

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I was "lurking" the other day, and saw a post for a link to obtain an ampule breaker/snapper that has two sized ends to accomodate different sized ampules. I was so excited, and now can't find it! Knew I should have accessed it then... Can someone please post a link? I have some new folks in my department, and want to get them presents! Can't seem to find a link when I do a search, either... Thanks!

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Specializes in ER.

I use an alcohol pad still in the wrapper...its cheaper and effective haven't gotten a cut since I started using it...

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I use a 4x4 sponged folded.

I know peope that have used the thing you're talking about, yet it took them no time for it to get lost (or stolen).

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Alcohol pad works just fine, and they are always around. You can never misplace them or get them stolen. :)

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.

cordarone supplied our hospital with ampule breaker thingie...I just use a 4X4, easier to locate...

atlantarn

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Ampules are opened by breaking the glass at a score line on the neck. This is typically done with a gauze square or an ampule snapper (a plastic tubing that fits over the neck of the ampule). Because glass particles may become dislodged when the ampule is opened, a filter straw or filter needle should always be used to withdraw the contents. A filter straw is a small plastic tube that looks like a thin straw and attaches to a syringe just like a needle. Unlike a needle however, a filter straw contains a filtering mechanism to remove tiny glass (or other) particles.

Sepha Clic-Open Ampule snapper:

http://www.sepha.com/cl.htm

Picture of an ampule snapper with demonstration:

http://www.sepha.com/CODemo2.mpg

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Specializes in ER.

Hmm..never heard of a filter straw, never saw one, never used one...

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Filter needles are used to filter out microscopic glass particles. We use them (are supposed to) on all amplules. As for breaking them, I also use a piece of gauze or an alcohol packet opened.The few times I didn't, I got cut fingers.

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.
Hmm..never heard of a filter straw, never saw one, never used one...

Really? Do you have filter needles, then? We have both, and the only difference is that it's easier to draw through the straw, and they're longer than the filter needles. I like 'em.

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Ask your pharm/drug reps for the ampule openers.. many of them will have them and give them to you pro bono.

We use a lot of ferrelecit, and our rep always brings us several boxes of the plastic ampule "tubes" or covers each time she comes. They are one time use, disposable.

They do work really well.. even though I did manage to slice off a chunk of finger the other day... :rolleyes:

My finger slipped off the opener just as it was snapping off.. and OWIEEEE !!! :o

And yes, we ALWAYS use the filter needles.

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