Glass Particle Contamination and Using the Filter Needle: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To identify the levels of knowledge of nurses and physicians about the contamination of micro-sized glass particles in medicine content when opening glass ampoules containing parenteral medicines and the use of filter needles in reducing contamination. When the medicine ampoule is broken and opened, spill into the ampoule and contaminates the medicine. Medicines contaminated with glass particles pose a potential danger when they are administered parenterally to patients. Material and Methods: This study was planned as a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with a total of 600 healthcare professionals, 300 physicians and 300 nurses, working in a university hospital between October and November 2020. The data were collected using the “Personal Information Form” and the “Information Form about Glass Particle Contamination and Filter Needle Use”. Results: The highest response to the question "medicine contaminated with glass particles can cause complications in the patient" was I do not know at 52.7%. The highest number of correct answers at the rate of 76% was given to the question "particle scattering to buffer/fingers at glass ampoule opening”. When nurses were asked "presence of micro-sized glass particles in the medicine drawn from the ampoule to the syringe" and "preventing from giving glass particles with the medicine to the patient", the rate of correct answers was higher with significant differences compared to physicians. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals had moderate knowledge of glass particle contamination and the use of filter needles. Variables such as profession, number of ampoules used in the clinic, and educational status affect the level of knowledge. Findings inform to stresses the need to raise awareness for reducing glass particle contamination. Keywords: Contamination, Filter needle, Glass particle, Healthcare professionals