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7.3.2: Vials

  • Page ID
    89719
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    A vial is a plastic or glass container with a sterile rubber stopper covered with a cap. Vials can contain liquid drugs or powdered drugs. Some vials are single-use, and others are used for multiple doses. Each time a needle accesses a vial, the rubber stopper must be disinfected with an alcohol pad.

    To prepare drugs from a vial, follow these steps.

    Supplies needed:

    • Providers order
    • Drug reference book
    • Vial with medication
    • Syringe and needle
    • Alcohol wipe
    • Medicine tray
    1. Carefully read the provider’s order and calculate the amount of drug to be administered.
    2. Check drug references for information about medication
    3. Wash hands and don gloves.
    4. Select a medication and check against the provider’s order.
    5. Check the expiration date.
    6. Select the correct size syringe and needle.
    7. Remove the cap from the vial and clean it with an alcohol wipe.
    8. Remove the cover from the needle.
    9. Pull the plunger back to inject the same amount of air into the syringe as fluid will be aspirated out of the vial.
    10. Push the needle through the center of the rubber stopper and inject air into the vial.
    11. Turn the needle and vial upside down and withdraw fluid from the vial.
    12. Remove any large bubbles from the syringe.
    13. Check the amount of liquid in the syringe is the correct dose.
    14. Remove the needle from the vial and use the scoop method to recap the needle.
    15. Check the vial label against the provider order.
    16. Place the fluid-filled syringe on the medicine tray.
    17. Remove gloves.
    18. Wash hands.

    This page titled 7.3.2: Vials is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anna Jannak (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)) .

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