Comparison of the Insoluble Fine Particles Mixed during Ampoule Cutting Depending on where the Ampoule is Gripped

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare and examine insoluble particulate contaminants produced at the time of cutting injection ampoules due to differences in ampoule-holding positions. The following four different ampoule-holding positions were investigated: ① between the anterior chest and the eye, ② between the epigastric region and the navel, ③ between the navel and the lower abdomen, and ④ on a table slightly lower than the navel. Insoluble particulate contaminants produced while the ampoules were cut at these positions were observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the number and size of these contaminants were compared. No significant differences were found between the four ampoule-holding positions; however, the number of particulate contaminants tended to be low when the ampoules were held ② between the epigastric region and the navel or ④ on a table slightly lower than the navel. Furthermore, there was a difference in the stability of the upper extremities between the positions ①/③ and ②/④. The results suggest that the stability of the upper extremities may affect the amount of force applied to the ampoules.