What it means
A closed container of medicine sealed with a rubber top that a needle can pass through. A single-dose vial is used once and thrown away. A multi-dose vial holds several doses and contains a preservative. Some drugs come as powder and must be mixed with a liquid (reconstituted) before use.
For the nurse
Scrub the rubber top with alcohol before each entry and use a new needle and syringe every time. Inject an equal amount of air before drawing up liquid. Date a multi-dose vial when it is opened and follow the agency's discard time.
At a glance
| Spanish | vial, frasco ampolla |
|---|---|
| Also written | vials |
Related terms
syringe
A tube with a plunger, used to draw up liquid and push it out, often through a needle.
needle
A thin, hollow, pointed metal tube used to inject drugs or fluids into the body or to draw fluid out.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.