What is the first step when breaking an ampule?

The first step when breaking an ampule is to clean the ampule neck with an alcohol swab. This step is essential to minimize the risk of contamination. Since ampules are typically sealed and can harbor microbial life or particulate matter on their surface, cleaning the neck ensures that no contaminants are introduced into the sterile solution or medication when breaking the ampule.

Performing this action not only adheres to the principles of aseptic technique but also upholds the integrity of the compounding process by helping to assure that the final product remains sterile.

After cleaning, it is appropriate to grasp the neck of the ampule and then snap it in a specified direction, which allows for safe access to the contents without the risk of glass shards contaminating the solution. However, these subsequent steps follow the critical initial action of cleaning the ampule.