What is the potential issue when pushing a needle through the rubber stopper of a vial?

When pushing a needle through the rubber stopper of a vial, the potential issue that arises is coring. Coring refers to the process where a small piece of the rubber stopper is cut out and removed when the needle is inserted into the vial. This can occur if the needle's tip is sharp enough or if the insertion is done with too much force.

Coring is particularly problematic because the small pieces of rubber that are sheared off can contaminate the sterile medication within the vial, potentially leading to adverse effects if the contaminated product is administered to a patient. It is crucial for pharmacy technicians to be aware of this risk and to use techniques that minimize the possibility of coring, such as inserting the needle at the correct angle and not applying excessive pressure.

Other terms like flocculating, disintegration, and pressurizing do not directly relate to the issue of needle insertion through a vial stopper. Flocculating refers to the agglomeration of particles, which is not relevant in this context. Disintegration typically describes the process of a solid substance breaking down into smaller particles, rather than a concern with vial access. Pressurizing, while it may relate to the containment of gases or liquids, does not specifically address the potential