After removing the cap, what is the next step when drawing vaccine from a vial?

After removing the cap, what is the next step when drawing vaccine from a vial?

• A. Clean off the diaphragm with an alcohol swab
• B. Pull back the plunger to aspirate the needed amount of air
• C. Insert the needle in the center of the rubber diaphragm
• D. Inject the air and aspirate the vaccine

Answer: (A)

After removing the cap from the vial, the next step is to wipe the rubber diaphragm with an alcohol swab and let it dry. This sterilizes the surface that will be pierced, helping prevent contamination of the vaccine or the vial contents. Once the stopper is clean and dry, you insert the needle into the diaphragm, inject a small amount of air to prevent a vacuum, then invert the vial to draw the vaccine and proceed to withdraw the correct dose, removing any air bubbles in the syringe. Skipping the cleaning step could introduce bacteria into the vial or vaccine, and inserting the needle or drawing vaccine are performed after the stopper has been disinfected.

After removing the cap from the vial, the next step is to wipe the rubber diaphragm with an alcohol swab and let it dry. This sterilizes the surface that will be pierced, helping prevent contamination of the vaccine or the vial contents. Once the stopper is clean and dry, you insert the needle into the diaphragm, inject a small amount of air to prevent a vacuum, then invert the vial to draw the vaccine and proceed to withdraw the correct dose, removing any air bubbles in the syringe. Skipping the cleaning step could introduce bacteria into the vial or vaccine, and inserting the needle or drawing vaccine are performed after the stopper has been disinfected.