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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:
Picture of an ampule snapper with demonstration:
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...
My finger slipped off the opener just as it was snapping off.. and OWIEEEE !!!
And yes, we ALWAYS use the filter needles.
amy
152 Posts
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!