Final answer:
An ampule is a small sealed vial used to contain a single-use medication. To remove medication from an ampule, score and snap off the top, then withdraw the medication with a syringe, often using a filter to avoid glass particles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ampules are small sealed vials, which are used to contain and preserve a sample, usually a solid or liquid medication. These ampules are made of glass and are designed to hold a precise volume of medication, meant for a single-use. To remove medication from an ampule, one typically needs to score the narrowest part of the ampule using a small file, then snap off the top cleanly to ensure that the edges do not leave any glass debris which could contaminate the medication.
The process of accessing the medication involves taking safety precautions, such as using a gauze pad or an ampule breaker to protect one's fingers during the opening process. Once the top is removed, the medication can be withdrawn into a syringe, taking care to avoid any potential glass particles by using a filter needle or a strainer.