Ampule Question: Does this make sense?

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I have a question about withdrawing meds from an ampule.

I am being taught that a triangular-stance method to stabilize my hands because we are not able to touch the needle anywhere inside the ampule...not just the rim, but at all.

My question is: Why?

I understand that they are saying the rim is not sterile, but the inside of the ampule?

I'm using a sterile filter needle...the medicine is ALREADY touching the ampule sides...PLUS I will be changing my needle...I just don't see how touching the needle to the inside of the ampule could possibly be contaminating anything more than it already is... (and I'm not referring to avoiding touching just the rim)

when I watch videos on how to withdraw meds from ampules, everyone just casually inserts the needle and withdraws the med...they're not in some tripod position holding the needle super still so not to touch the ampule at all...it just seems so over-the-top to me.

Anyone else have to learn this way?

Filter straws are fabulous.

Would love to see a nursing instructor wasting ampule after ampule with students for this ridiculous reason, especially with a narcotic. Can you imagine the waste?

What I don't understand, in this day and age, why are we STILL using ampules???

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What I don't understand, in this day and age, why are we STILL using ampules???

THIS!! I say this everytime I have to try to snap one open. Ugh!

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

Does anyone know the rationale behind using ampules? I've always wondered... Same with carpujects? I don't even use them, I just draw the meds out into a syringe

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So how were you drawing in school, with the ampule completely inverted? cause not touching the sides allows you to upside down it and not break the vac. But, who cares.

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Does anyone know the rationale behind using ampules? I've always wondered... Same with carpujects? I don't even use them, I just draw the meds out into a syringe

I miss working where I had the carpuject injector thingy. Throw the medication in and go. No pulling up the med required!

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

Did a quick check and all I could come up with is that some chemicals interact with rubber stoppers... but then again I think of all the meds that come in both amps and vials, so that doesn't make sense.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
Why is your institution using needles and not filter straws? The medical world is needle-less and your school is not conforming. They want you to stick yourself with a needle. Your school is evil.

Kidding, does anyone else use these instead of filter needles? I never saw them until I moved to the east side of PA.

http://www.wallcur.com/Products/Filter-Straw__1014FS.aspx

Ever try to draw up 0.5 ml with one of those plastic needles when the entire ampule only has 0.5 ml?

You'll never get it out.

We draw up ours in a 1 ml TB syringe for Vitamin K injections and that needle is critical.

Dirty needle sticks present the risk....you can't catch HIV or Hepatitis from a sterile needle.

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^I've never had that problem, you just suck it all up then remove the straw and push the air out of the syringe.

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