This paper reports a study examining glass particle contamination in 2 ampoule sizes under 3 different experimental conditions (n = 18 in each group). While existing literature is clear that glass contamination occurs on opening single-dose glass ampoules, the clinical significance of intramuscular administration of glass particles is equivocal. A computer microscope was used to compare the number & size of glass particles aspirated into a syringe between 2 needle sizes without filters & 19G (110 m lumen diameter) filtered needles. Data was collected 2002. At least one glass particle was found in 22% of the 1-mL ampoules, & 56% & 39% of the 2-mL ampoules, using 18G & 21G needles, respectively, had glass contaminants. Many of the 2-mL ampoules produced multiple glass particles on opening. Use of 19G filtered needles resulted in no glass particles.
