Glass particle contamination threat in nursing practice: A pilot study

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the level of glass particle contamination from medical ampoules during breakage in nursing practice and their removal by filtration.

Design Glass medical ampoules were broken-open as instructed and contamination was assessed microscopically.

Methods Three types of medial ampoules (A, B, C) were used. Dispensation of contents was carried out using 21 or 22 G needles, with and without syringe-filters. Particles were determined by light microscopy. This study was conducted between April 2018 and January 2020.

Results Glass particles of 0.94-90.70 mu m were detected in 94% of all samples. There were 48, 162 and 201 glass particles in groups, A, B and C, respectively. Filtration had no effect in group A but was effective up to 85% in the other groups.

Conclusion This study confirms that ampoule contents are contaminated with glass particles during the opening procedure, which varies with make and content. Syringe-filter use can be up to 85% effective in their removal.

Impact Use of syringe-filter can decrease glass particle contamination up to 85%. Innovative nursing studies are needed to minimize or completely avoid particule contamination.