After opening an ampule, what should the technician do next?

After opening an ampule, it is critical to inspect the ampule for glass particles. This step is essential because the process of breaking the neck of the ampule can generate small glass shards that may compromise the sterility of the medication or harm the patient if injected.

Ensuring that the contents are free from contaminants is a cornerstone of safe medication preparation. If glass particles are present, the technician must discard the ampule and potentially prepare a new dose from an intact ampule to prevent patient injury.

While using an alcohol swab is a common protocol for disinfecting surfaces or drawing medication from vials, it is not specifically a required step after opening an ampule. Holding the ampule at an angle may assist in withdrawal of the medication but does not address safety concerns regarding the presence of glass. Lastly, using a membrane filter could be relevant for certain medications or specific techniques but is not a universal requirement after opening an ampule. Therefore, the primary concern immediately following the opening of an ampule should focus on the inspection for glass particles.