Which statement describes coring?

Which statement describes coring?

• A. Coring is a piece of the vial stopper breaking off and entering the drug
• B. Coring is a technique to ensure sterility
• C. Coring improves solution stability
• D. Coring refers to filtering glass particles

Answer: (A)

Coring happens when a piece of the vial stopper is shaved off and ends up in the drug as the needle punctures the stopper. This is a particulate contamination risk in aseptic technique, because that rubber fragment can enter the medication, potentially causing safety issues for the patient and compromising sterility. It’s not about a method to ensure sterility, nor does it improve solution stability, and it isn’t about filtering glass particles. The concern is specifically the stopper material entering the drug, which is why careful needle technique and, if possible, using a filter needle for withdrawal are recommended to minimize coring.

Coring happens when a piece of the vial stopper is shaved off and ends up in the drug as the needle punctures the stopper. This is a particulate contamination risk in aseptic technique, because that rubber fragment can enter the medication, potentially causing safety issues for the patient and compromising sterility. It’s not about a method to ensure sterility, nor does it improve solution stability, and it isn’t about filtering glass particles. The concern is specifically the stopper material entering the drug, which is why careful needle technique and, if possible, using a filter needle for withdrawal are recommended to minimize coring.