Which step involves cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab?

Which step involves cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab?

• A. Remove protective cap on the vial
• B. Clean off the diaphragm with an alcohol swab
• C. Pull back the plunger to aspirate the needed amount of air
• D. Insert the needle in the center of the rubber diaphragm

Answer: (B)

Maintaining aseptic technique when drawing from a vial is essential to prevent contamination. Cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab disinfects the rubber stopper before you pierce it with the needle, reducing the risk that surface bacteria enter the vial. Allow the alcohol to dry, then insert the needle into the center of the stopper to draw up the medication. The other steps—removing the protective cap, pulling back the plunger to aspirate air, and inserting the needle into the stopper—are parts of the procedure but do not involve cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab.

Maintaining aseptic technique when drawing from a vial is essential to prevent contamination. Cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab disinfects the rubber stopper before you pierce it with the needle, reducing the risk that surface bacteria enter the vial. Allow the alcohol to dry, then insert the needle into the center of the stopper to draw up the medication. The other steps—removing the protective cap, pulling back the plunger to aspirate air, and inserting the needle into the stopper—are parts of the procedure but do not involve cleaning the diaphragm with an alcohol swab.