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

After opening an ampule, the first action a technician should take is to inspect it for glass particles. This step is crucial because ampules are made of glass, and when they are opened, there is a risk that tiny glass shards may break off, potentially contaminating the sterile solution inside. If any glass particles are present, the solution can be unsafe for use, leading to serious health risks if administered to patients.

Ensuring that the ampule is free from contaminants is essential for maintaining the safety and efficacy of the medication that will be extracted. The procedure emphasizes the importance of quality control in pharmacy practice, particularly in sterile compounding and administration.

Following this inspection, the technician may proceed with other tasks such as disinfecting and withdrawing the solution, but the initial inspection is a critical safety measure to protect patients.