Glass particle contamination due to ampule opening

Abstract

Abstract Background: Breaking the head of ampules may cause glass particle contamination of the ampule contents, causing thrombosis and embolism when injected intravenously. Objective: To evaluate the probability of glass particle contamination and find out the best method to reduce glass contamination. Methods: Contents of the ampules were aspirated by syringes and collected in lab tubes. Each sample contained 36 tubes and each tube contained 5 ampules. The tubes were centrifuged and the last drop was examined by a microscope. Glass particles were counted in 5 fields of microscope by objective 10. Findings: The finding indicated that the mean of glass particles in lined-ampules was less than unlined ones (7.3 vs 15.5, P