Breaking an ampoule can be a daunting task, but with the right technique and safety precautions, it can be done quickly and easily. To break an ampoule, start by cleaning and sterilizing your work area. Then, protect your hands with gauze and hold the bottom of the ampoule firmly in an upright position. Push the upper section away from the colored spot with light, even pressure until you hear a clean snap.
If you're using a filter needle syringe, you can inject the IV bolus directly after aspiration. Alternatively, you can side fire to an infusion set with a filter in line. To minimize glass particles, break the ampoule with a cotton ball (partial envelope of the neck of the ampoule) from an outward direction. If you use a gauze pad (full ampoule neck wrap) from an inward direction, you'll get more glass particles.
Before breaking the ampoule, make sure to wipe the neck of the ampoule with disposable alcohol swabs twice. Then, break the neck along the marked line with an outward clicking motion.
