Parenteral drugs should be inspected for particles, cloudiness and discolouration, and for cracks or leaks in the container, before they are drawn up. This applies most to emergency drugs drawn up in a hurry.
If a vial looks wrong, do not use it, keep it, and report it through your pharmacy or hospital incident system.
- Hold the vial to the light and look for particles or cloudiness.
- Check the container for cracks, leaks and damaged seals.
- Check the expiry date and the labelled strength.
- Keep and report any vial that looks wrong, with the lot number.
- Use a filter needle when drawing up from ampoules, as your local policy advises.
Why it matters
A visual check takes a few seconds and may catch a contaminated or damaged vial before it reaches the patient.
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