When preparing an ampoule-derived solution, which practice reduces contamination risk?

When preparing an ampoule-derived solution, which practice reduces contamination risk?

• A. Use a filter needle to draw up the solution and change the needle before transferring to the IV bag
• B. Use the same needle for all steps
• C. Break the ampoule with bare hands
• D. Filter after transferring into the IV bag

Answer: (A)

Maintaining sterility during ampoule withdrawal hinges on filtering glass particulates during withdrawal and switching to a clean needle before transfer. A filter needle traps tiny glass fragments as you draw from the ampoule, reducing particulate contamination entering the syringe. After drawing up, replacing that needle with a new sterile needle before transferring to the IV bag prevents any contaminants or fragments from the ampoule step from being carried into the bag. Using the same needle for all steps increases contamination risk, breaking the ampoule with bare hands can introduce microbes and add glass shards, and filtering after transferring into the IV bag does not protect the bag from glass fragments or microbes during withdrawal. So this approach best minimizes contamination risk.

Maintaining sterility during ampoule withdrawal hinges on filtering glass particulates during withdrawal and switching to a clean needle before transfer. A filter needle traps tiny glass fragments as you draw from the ampoule, reducing particulate contamination entering the syringe. After drawing up, replacing that needle with a new sterile needle before transferring to the IV bag prevents any contaminants or fragments from the ampoule step from being carried into the bag. Using the same needle for all steps increases contamination risk, breaking the ampoule with bare hands can introduce microbes and add glass shards, and filtering after transferring into the IV bag does not protect the bag from glass fragments or microbes during withdrawal. So this approach best minimizes contamination risk.