Ampoule Cuts: A Silent Threat to Healthcare Workers
Opening glass ampoules can be unnerving and can sometimes lead to cuts.
Often dismissed as minor workplace hazards, ampoule cuts can pose significant risks to healthcare professionals. While superficial cuts may seem inconsequential, deeper lacerations can occur, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. In a case from the UK, a healthcare worker required surgery to repair their digital nerve, as a result of an ampoule injury.
In a study regarding the incidence of ampoule injuries, more than 50% of ampoule users have experienced a cut from a glass ampoule . Even experienced healthcare professionals who routinely handle ampoules remain at risk of injury during the opening process. Glass ampoules are a significant source of sharps injuries, accounting for one-third of all nurse injuries and the majority of sharps injuries among anaesthetists.
Another potential issue when opening glass ampoules is that the medication may be wasted or contaminated by glass shards when an ampoule breaks incorrectly.
An ampoule opener can streamline this opening process to make it easier for the user. This in turn reduces spills and contamination.
The Qlicksmart SnapIT Ampoule Opener
Fortunately there’s an easy solution to opening ampoules. Qlicksmart’s reusable SnapIT ampoule opener is designed to be an effortless and effective tool to help safely open ampoules. A recent investigation by the Gaithersburg Safety, Health, and Environment (GB SHE) department revealed that, of all the ampoule safety products, the SnapIT was the most effective option. SnapIT was designed by an Australian nurse to be easy to use and protect all ampoule openers; and is available in a variety of colours.
Contact us at hello@qlicksmart.com to find out more about how the SnapIT ampoule opener can protect you when administering testosterone.
References:
Parker, M. R. (1995). The use of protective gloves, the incidence of ampoule injury and the prevalence of hand laceration amongst anaesthetic personnel. Anaesthesia, 50(8), 726–729. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2044.1995.tb06105.x
Kahriman, I. & Polat, S. (2016). Injury experiences and precautions taken by nurses working in pediatric wards towards penetrative/incisive tools. International Journal of Caring Sciences. Volume 9 Issue 2 Page 569.
http://www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/23_Kahirman_original_9_2.pdf
Chandan, G. (2006). Propofol ampoule: Take care while opening. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. Volume 12 Number 2.
http://ispub.com/IJA/12/2/6369
DiGiandomenico, K. & Petit, A.S. (2018). Ampoule opening device: lessons learned from incident study of sharp injuries. Presented at 61st Annual Biological Safety Conference. http://absaconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ABSA2018-22_Poster_DiGiandomenico.pdf