Background: Glass particle fragmentation and ampoule contamination upon opening have been previously reported for more than 5 decades. This study aimed to determine whether there were still glass particles contaminated in single dose glass ampoules.
- A/Prof Dr Akeau Unahalekhaka, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
- Mr Pornpoj Nuthong, Scientific Equipment center, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
- Dr Alan Geater, Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Methods: Eight hundreds 10-ml.sterile water for injection ampoules were inspected for glass particle contamination upon opening. Ampoules were opened by 400 nursing personnel of 3 tertiary care hospitals using their normal practices (2 ampoules per 1 nurse). Glass particle contamination was inspected by stereomicroscope and size and a number of particles were inspected by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Seven hundred and ninety eight ampoules were inspected. Glass particles were detected in 65% of ampoules (95% CI 61.6-68.3). Size of particles, detected from 20 positive samples from stereomicroscope inspection, ranged from 8-172 micron. The mean numbers of glass particles detected were: 47.8 + 20.4 for particle size < 50 micron, 3.7 + 3.2 for size 51-100 micron and 0.6 + 1.07 for size 101-200 micron. Among 20 negative samples from stereomicroscope inspection (no glass particle detected), SEM could detect glass particles with sizes ranged from 8 to 54 micron. The mean numbers of glass particles detected were: 27.8 + 21.8 for particle size < 50 micron, 0.75 + 1.2 for size 51-100 micron and 0.5 + 0.2 for size 101-200 micron.
Conclusion: Glass particle contamination occurs on opening single dose glass ampoules. Hospital personnel should be aware and carefully draw the content in the ampoule.
http://www.apsic2011...abstract/50.asp
Edit: I didn't originall see where you meant filters mean no difference,I was thinking you meant that glass contamination is rare or unheard of,. Will get back to you on that since I'm rushing to go to work,I just can't see why the medical community uses filters speciffically for glass if they aren't useful.
Edited by Bigbrains, 28 September 2012 - 12:56 PM.