INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPENING ONE POINT CUT (OPC) AMPOULES

ONE POINT CUT (OPC) AMPOULES

The medicinal product is filled into pre-scored One Point Cut (OPC) ampoules. A colored dot on the bulbous part of the ampoule indicates the position of the score. OPC ampoules can be opened easily and safely, reducing the risk of splintering and/or sharp edges.

PREPARE YOUR WORK AREA

Medicinal products filled in glass ampoules must remain sterile. Therefore, clean the work area, disinfect your hands and the outside of the ampoules. The use of an ampoule holder may be helpful.

OPENING ONE POINT CUT (OPC) AMPOULES WITHOUT AMPOULE OPENER

Pick up the ampoule and hold its lower part between your thumb and index finger. Make sure to remove all the liquid from the top of the ampoule by gently tapping it with a finger of the other hand. Hold the ampoule so that the colored dot faces you.
Grasp the top of the ampoule with your other hand. Place your thumb onto the colored dot and the index finger on the opposite side (back) of the bulbous part of the ampoule.
Hold the bottom of the ampoule firmly in an upright position and push the top section away from the colored dot with light, even pressure. The ampoule should break with a clean snap. Using too much force can cause the ampoule to shatter! If the ampoule shatters, discard it and use a new ampoule.
If the ampoule does not break open, readjust its position in your hands and try again. If it seems extremely hard to open, do not try to open it by force. Try with a different ampoule or use an ampoule opener.

OPENING ONE POINT CUT (OPC) AMPOULES WITH AN AMPOULE OPENER

Pick up the ampoule and hold its lower part between your thumb and index finger. Make sure to remove all the liquid from the top of the ampoule by gently tapping it with a finger of the other hand. Hold the ampoule so that the colored dot faces you.
With your other hand, slip the ampoule opener over the top of the ampoule right into the neck below the bulbous part.
Grasp the ampoule opener with your thumb and index finger placed on opposite sides on the indicated area close to the ampoule neck and make sure that the dot on the ampoule is still in position under your thumb.
Hold the bottom of the ampoule firmly in an upright position and push the top section away from the colored dot with light, even pressure. The ampoule should break with a clean snap. Do not be surprised if the ampoule top jumps out of the opener when the ampoule snaps open.

SAFETY ASPECTS AND MISTAKES

To prevent shattering of the glass, never try to break ampoules by force!
Always apply pressure away from the colored dot, never in any other direction.
Avoid any pushing, pulling, or twisting actions while applying pressure on the ampoule to open it.
Pressure between the index finger and the thumb of either hand can cause the ampoule to break in an unintended manner and may cause injuries to the operator.
If the ampoule does not break open, readjust its position in your hands and try again. If it seems extremely hard to open, do not try to open it by force. Try with a different ampoule or use an ampoule opener.
Do not use the medicine if your ampoule shatters or if the opened ampoule is contaminated with glass after opening.

Experience is essential for a clean break when opening ampoules. Operators will find that they will develop their individual opening technique with time.