Background and Importance Glass ampoules are extensively used for intravenous administration, pulmonary nebulisation, and oral preparations such as caffeine. Dutch guidelines recommend filter needles or straws when handling glass ampoules,¹ but compliance remains uncertain.

Aim and Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the utilisation of filter needles/straws, the observation of glass particles, and the disposal of ampoules among pharmacy technicians and nurses. Additionally, we examined the handling of glass ampoules during medication procurement in hospital pharmacies.

Material and Methods We employed an observational approach with a questionnaire developed by Utrecht University’s UPPER pharmacy practice research section. The questionnaire covered glass particle management and procurement policies. Pharmacy students conducted interviews with pharmacy technicians (both in the pharmacy and on hospital wards) nurses and pharmacists, during their internships from September to November 2022. Descriptive data analysis was used.

Results Data were gathered from 31 Dutch hospitals, comprising six academic, 15 top clinical, and 10 peripheral institutions. Interviews were conducted with 50 pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy, 51 on the wards, and 50 nurses.

Concerning compounding, 14% of hospitals did not employ filtering techniques, except for intrathecal preparations. On hospital wards, 23% of pharmacy technicians did not employ filtering techniques, rising to 50% for nurses (irregular use).

The results revealed that 82% of pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy encountered glass particles during compounding, rising to 92% on wards and 45% for nurses. In terms of ampoule disposal, approximately 16% of pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy reported discarding ampoules due to the presence of glass particles, compared to 19% on wards and 20% among nurses. Only nine hospital pharmacies had established policies aimed at reducing the procurement of glass ampoules.

Conclusion and Relevance The study highlights the variability in the adoption of filtering techniques for glass ampoules across different hospitals, with hospital pharmacies demonstrating better compliance. Both pharmacy technicians and nurses observed glass particles, leading to ampoule disposal. Future studies should investigate the causes of disparities between pharmacy departments and hospital wards. Additionally, further research is needed to assess potential health consequences of glass particle exposure.

References and/or Acknowledgements 1. KNMP. LNA-procedures. [Internet]. Available from: https://kennisbank-knmp-nl.proxy.library.uu.nl/article/LNA-procedures_productzorg/asep/F114.html. [Accessed 31^sAugust 2023].

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.