“How to break open a glass drug ampule without the safety adapter”- short version

I had some ampoules for a medication that had expired and thought this was a good opportunity to show how to snap the ampoules. Since this wasn't being used on a patient and it was a last minute thought to record this, you will notice that I am not showing all the steps. This video only focuses on steps 5-7. I will try to get a full video the next time I have an ampoule.

“How to break open a glass drug ampule without the safety adapter”

1.) (Optional but recommended) wear gloves and safety goggles.
[Anytime glass is broken, tiny fragments may become embedded in your skin or fly off landing in your eye. The risk is low but there is still a risk.)
2.) Wipe off the ampoule with alcohol.
3.) If there is liquid in the top of the ampoule, then gently flick the top of the ampoule to make the liquid drop into the base of the ampoule.
4.) Verify if the ampoule has a dot or line or no marking at the neck of the vial.
[This line indicates where the score line is. The dot indicates the location where you will apply pressure, thus breaking lid away from the dot. No line may indicate a need to score the neck before breaking.]
5.) Wrap gauze square/ washcloth around ampoule. (If there is a dot, face it towards you).
6.) Secure base of ampoule between your fingers and your palm. Place your thumb above the neck of the ampoule.
7.) Apply pressure away from you. The ampoule should snap apart at the neck of the ampoule.
8.) Proceed to use a sterile syringe and needle to draw out the medication from the ampoule.

There are aftermarket safety adapters to snap ampoule tops off. These are designed to reduce glass fragments from embedding into your skin or flying off. Gauze only offers minimal protection. The edges of the ampoules are sharp and can cut your skin and it is possible to crush ampoules in your hand, especially if the ampoule is not scored or you do not apply the force over the dot. Gloves are recommended even if you have the safety adaptor.

Ampoules are considered single use.