Opening glass ampoules can often feel daunting, especially if you're concerned about the potential hazards of handling fragile glass. Whether in the clinic laboratory, medical setting, or dealing with a crash-cart-moment, mastering the technique of safely opening an ampoule is crucial to avoid injuries like cuts and prevent contamination of the substance inside.  

To start with, when opening ampoules, maintaining aseptic practice is just as crucial as ensuring safety from glass shards. Aseptic techniques will help prevent contamination of sterile substances.  It will also help protect you from absorption of droplets if things go a little awry!  So, before you begin, ensure that your hands are thoroughly washed and dried, and consider wearing gloves to create an additional barrier against contaminants. The surface on which you're working should also be disinfected to avoid any potential transfer of bacteria or other pathogens.  

Ampoules are typically sealed to keep their contents sterile, and they usually have a marked break point—a coloured dot or ring around the neck—that indicates the optimal spot for opening. Applying pressure to this weak point should result in a clean break.   

Sound simple, right?  However, many people find it challenging to open ampoules without specialised tools. While there are commercially available ampoule openers, there's a simple and effective alternative that you can make using a common syringe. Start by removing the plunger from the syringe (usually a 3mL or 5mL), leaving you with the barrel—the part that has the measurement units printed on it. This barrel can be repurposed as an ampoule opener. Simply slip the syringe sleeve over the top of the ampoule, positioning it just above the break point. Then, with a firm but controlled snap, the ampoule should open cleanly and safely. This homemade opener not only reduces the risk of glass shards flying but also provides a steady grip, making the process much easier and safer. This method is particularly useful in settings where quick access to sterile contents is necessary, and having a reliable, easy-to-make tool like a syringe ampoule opener on hand can make all the difference. 

It's always a good idea to use a protective barrier like a swab, or even a paper towel when snapping the ampoule. This adds an extra layer of safety, shielding your fingers and face from any sharp edges that might result from the break, minimising risks and ensuring the integrity of the ampoule's contents. 

No matter if you are using an opener or just your bare hands, when opening the ampoule, avoid touching the area around the break point with your fingers to reduce the risk of introducing contaminants. If you're using a DYI opener like the syringe barrel method, ensure that the syringe has been properly sterilized before use. If you're using a commercially manufactured opener, it should be carefully cleaned and disinfected after each use.   

After snapping the ampoule open, immediately cover or transfer the contents to a sterile syringe if it won't be used right away, minimizing exposure to the environment. By adhering to these aseptic practices, you can help ensure that the integrity of the ampoule’s contents remains uncompromised, safeguarding both the quality of the solution and the health of those it will be administered to. 

Written by: Steph Mann

Principal Lecturer \ Programme Leader (Rural Animals) Otago Polytechnic