Ampola

Ampola is a term used in Portuguese to refer to a small, sealed container that holds a sterile liquid for medical or laboratory use. These containers are typically made of glass or plastic and designed for single use. The neck of an ampola is usually broken or snapped to open, allowing the contents to be drawn up with a syringe or poured. Ampolas are commonly used for injectable medicines, vaccines, serums, or reagents in diagnostic or laboratory settings.

In common medical practice, ampolas are valued for their sterility and convenience. They are supplied in precise volumes and must be used promptly after opening, following relevant pharmacopoeia or institutional guidelines. Proper disposal is required for spent ampolas to prevent needlestick injuries or contamination. Storage conditions typically emphasize protection from light, appropriate temperature, and keeping them in their original packaging until use.

The word ampola (or ampulla in Latin-based terminology) is also used in anatomy to describe a dilated, saclike section of a duct or vessel. In this context, the term denotes a structural enlargement rather than a container for preserving substances. Examples include various bodily ducts or lumens that have a bulbous or expanded portion. The use of ampola/ampulla in anatomy mirrors the idea of a rounded, spread-out space, distinct from the compact form of a medicine ampoule.

See also: ampoule, ampule, ampulla, anatomy terms related to dilated ducts.