How to Get an Ampule Open Without Making a Mess

Glass ampules provide a light-weight, sterile and tamper-proof environment in which to package medications. Since the ampule is made completely of inert glass, the chance of the contents becoming contaminated from rubber or metal stoppers is eliminated. The tapered ampule top allows for easy opening, and a space to mix the liquid if needed. Because ampules are fairly small, they can be a bit tricky to open. With a little practice, glass ampules can be easily snapped open.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-2 gauze pads, tissues or a small clean cloth
• Soap and water
• Hand sanitizer

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Instructions

• 1

  It's important to have clean hands when opening ampules.

  Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before handling the ampule. If any liquid is present in the top of the ampule, gently tap it with your fingernail to return the liquid to the bottom.

• 2

  Gauze pads can prevent cuts when opening an ampule.

  Grasp the ampule base with one hand. Cover the tapered top with a gauze pad, and quickly snap the top back and away from you.

• 3

  Safely discard the ampule and top when finished.

  Discard the top. Before opening an ampule, have something nearby in which to place the open container to prevent spillage. Many ampule containers are designed to hold the open ampule temporarily. If not, you can fashion an ampule holder by inserting a pencil into a piece of Styrofoam or children's clay to mold a space where the ampule may be placed.