In order to prevent coring during injection, which part of the needle should be inserted first?

The correct answer is that the tip of the needle should be inserted first to prevent coring during injection. The tip is the sharp end of the needle designed specifically to penetrate surfaces, such as the rubber stopper of a vial. When the tip is introduced first, it allows for a clean entry into the stopper, reducing the risk of the material from the stopper being pushed into the solution, which can happen if the base or body were introduced first. Coring occurs when a small piece of the rubber is dislodged and enters the vial, potentially contaminating the medication. By always inserting the tip first, the integrity of the vial’s contents and the sterility of the compounded preparation are maintained, ensuring patient safety.