Ampul

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Ampul is a small sealed vial which is used to contain and preserve a sample, usually a solid or liquid. Ampuls are usually made of glass. Modern ampuls are most commonly used to contain pharmaceuticals and chemicals that must be protected from air and contaminants. They are hermetically sealed by melting the thin top with an open flame, and usually opened by snapping off the neck.

History[edit | edit source]

The use of ampuls dates back to the early 20th century. They were initially used to store and transport medications and chemicals that needed to be kept sterile and free from contamination. The development of ampuls was a significant advancement in the field of pharmacy and medicine.

Design and Manufacture[edit | edit source]

Ampuls are typically made from borosilicate glass, which is known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock. The process of manufacturing ampuls involves the following steps:

  • Forming the glass: The glass is heated and formed into the desired shape.
  • Filling: The ampul is filled with the substance it is meant to contain.
  • Sealing: The neck of the ampul is melted and sealed to ensure that the contents are protected from contamination.

Usage[edit | edit source]

Ampuls are widely used in the medical field for storing injectable drugs. They are also used in laboratories for storing chemical samples. The sealed nature of ampuls makes them ideal for preserving the integrity of the contents.

Opening an Ampul[edit | edit source]

To open an ampul, the neck is usually scored with a file or a special tool, and then snapped off. Care must be taken to avoid injury from the broken glass. Some modern ampuls come with a pre-scored neck to make opening easier and safer.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

  • Sterility: Ampuls provide a sterile environment for the contents.
  • Protection: They protect the contents from air and contaminants.
  • Durability: Made from borosilicate glass, ampuls are resistant to thermal shock and chemical reactions.

Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

  • Fragility: Glass ampuls can break easily if not handled properly.
  • Opening: Opening an ampul can be tricky and may require practice to avoid injury.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD