The spelling of the word "ampoule" can be a bit tricky because of its French origin. It is pronounced "am-pool" with the first syllable stressed. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /æmˈpuːl/. In American English, the word is spelled with "ou" while in British English, it is spelled with "o". An ampoule is a small, sealed glass container used for storing and dispensing medication or liquid. Despite its peculiarities, it is a useful term in the pharmaceutical industry.
An ampoule, also known as an ampule or vial, is a small hermetically sealed glass container used to store and preserve liquid substances, generally for medical or pharmaceutical purposes. It is characterized by its elongated and slim shape, often with a narrow neck, which is designed to facilitate easy and controlled access to the contents.
The primary use of ampoules is for the packaging and dispensing of drugs, vaccines, and other medicinal products. Ampoules are commonly utilized because they offer exceptional protection against contamination and degradation, due to their airtight and sterile nature. The sealed glass design ensures that the substance within remains uncontaminated by external factors such as air, moisture, or microorganisms, guaranteeing a higher degree of stability and efficacy.
To access the contents of an ampoule, the neck is usually snapped off using a swift and controlled motion, with the jagged edges created serving to confirm the integrity of the seal. This breaking method also enables the extraction of precise amounts of the liquid, minimizing the risk of dosage errors. Additionally, the ampoule's small size and transparency allow for easy identification of the substance enclosed.
In summary, an ampoule refers to a small, sealed glass container commonly used for storing medicinal substances. Its purpose is to safeguard the contents from external contaminants and maintain their integrity until ready for use. Ampoules provide a reliable and convenient means of packaging and dispensing medications, vaccines, and other liquid medications in various medical settings.
Ampule (2).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ampoule" has a French origin. It is derived from the Latin word "ampulla", which referred to a small flask or bottle often used for holding medicinal or precious liquids. The Latin term itself derives from the Greek word "ampulla" or "ampoulē", which also meant a small container or flask. The term "ampoule" was gradually adopted into the English language to refer to a sealed glass or plastic vial used for storing and distributing pharmaceutical liquids or substances.