Using Ampules w/o filter needles

I work for a company that does not supply filter needles to be used with the epi ampule in the emergency kit.

Is this ok?

In nursing school I was told to never use ampules unless I had a filter needle. What do you think?
I have asked other nurses if they use filter needles when drawing up medications from an ampule and everytime i get a blank stare asking me what a filter needle is! When I explain that this is what I have heard is the correct way to draw up meds, every single person has told me they have never even seen a filter needle before (and this has been on a few different floors)...so I have never drawn it up with a filter needleAnyone has different experiences?

Quote from RN2B123I have asked other nurses if they use filter needles when drawing up medications from an ampule and everytime i get a blank stare asking me what a filter needle is! When I explain that this is what I have heard is the correct way to draw up meds, every single person has told me they have never even seen a filter needle before (and this has been on a few different floors)...so I have never drawn it up with a filter needleAnyone has different experiences?

I also work for a facility that does not supply filter needles. I think this is a liability for nurses and it is dangerous to the patients. I have mentioned this to my nursing supervisor and she doesn't seem as though it is a big deal. I have to deal with this kind of stuff a lot at my office and it is really annoying. Good thing I am working my 2wk notice huh.

I've drawn up injectable medications from ampules without having ever used a filter needle. I was taught to do so without the use of a filter needle. In fact, I had never even heard of a filter needle until I stumbled upon this thread. I suppose that each new day brings a unique learning experience!

We were taught in NS to always use a filter needle with an ampule, to avoid drawing up any glass shards with the medication. It is rare that I use an ampule, but when I do, I use a filter needle to draw up the med.

I use ampules every day and ALWAYS use a filter needle. I can't believe anyone would do this without a filter needle.

14 +/- years ago, I was taught to use filter needles with glass ampules. But things change. Occasionally, I run into someone who has never been taught to use them. I did a quick search and found this...http://classic.aacn.org/aacn/practic...e?OpenDocument

I was taught to always use a filter needle. Unfortunately with cutbacks in hospitals, this is where it hits.....But I do not think it is safe and I do believe it is a liability. It only takes one time.

I was concerned about this and asked the charge nurse when I had to use an ampule, and I found out the normal needles we use to draw up most things were filtered needles. They don't come in a package in the supply room so I didn't realize it. So you might want to ask, you might already be using them.

Quote from lerabelleI was taught to always use a filter needle. Unfortunately with cutbacks in hospitals, this is where it hits.....But I do not think it is safe and I do believe it is a liability. It only takes one time.

Quote from rn2b123i have asked other nurses if they use filter needles when drawing up medications from an ampule and everytime i get a blank stare asking me what a filter needle is!

Does your hospital follow evidenced based medicine? If so, do the research. I am sure there is a reason why filter needles were made and it wouldn't be based on, "so the company that makes them can make money."