Vial vs. Ampoule — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
A vial is a small container, often with a stopper, for holding liquid. An ampoule is a sealed glass capsule containing a liquid, especially a sterile solution for injection. Both are used to store substances but differ in design and usage.
Difference Between Vial and Ampoule
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vials and Ampoules are both containers designed to hold and store liquids, particularly in the field of medicine. Their primary purpose is the containment of substances, but the manner in which they secure and dispense their contents varies.
Vials are typically small glass or plastic bottles with a stopper or cap. They can be opened and resealed, making them reusable. Ampoules, on the other hand, are sealed glass capsules. To access the liquid inside, the top must be snapped or broken off, rendering them single-use.
When it comes to preserving the sterility of the content, Ampoules are often chosen because their design ensures that the content remains untouched until the moment of use. In contrast, Vials, due to their resealable nature, can be subjected to potential contamination after the initial opening.
Vials offer flexibility, as they can accommodate multiple doses of a medication, allowing for repeated access. This contrasts with Ampoules which, being single-use, contain only one dose or a specific amount of liquid meant for immediate use.
In pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the choice between Vial and Ampoule often hinges on the intended use, storage duration, and sterility requirements of the liquid inside. Both play crucial roles, but their applications can vary based on these factors.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Often glass or plastic
Typically glass
Reusability
Can be opened and resealed
Single-use; must be broken to access
Sterility
Risk of contamination after opening
Sealed until use; often more sterile
Dosage
Can contain multiple doses
Usually contains a single dose
Usage
Flexible use cases
Specific, immediate-use scenarios
Compare with Definitions
Vial
A small container made of glass or plastic used to hold liquid.
She carefully filled the vial with the sample.
Ampoule
A single-use vessel for essential oils or serums in cosmetics.
The skincare set came with a series of ampoules for nightly use.
Vial
A reusable container for substances requiring multiple uses.
She took three doses from the same vial.
Ampoule
A sealed glass capsule containing liquid.
The serum was stored in an ampoule.
Vial
A holder for liquid samples or solutions.
The scientist had a rack of vials for testing.
Ampoule
A container used for sterile solutions, especially for injections.
The nurse broke open the ampoule to administer the medication.
Vial
A container often used in laboratories or medical settings.
The nurse drew the vaccine from the vial.
Ampoule
A breakable glass container indicating single application.
Each ampoule provided a precise dose for the patient.
Vial
A vial (also known as a phial or flacon) is a small glass or plastic vessel or bottle, often used to store medication as liquids, powders or capsules. They can also be used as scientific sample vessels; for instance, in autosampler devices in analytical chromatography.
Ampoule
A hermetically sealed small bulbous glass vessel.
The ampoule ensured the purity of the substance inside.
Vial
A small container, usually with a closure, used especially for liquids.
Ampoule
An ampoule (also ampul and ampule) is a small sealed vial which is used to contain and preserve a sample, usually a solid or liquid. Ampoules are usually made of glass.
Vial
To put or keep in or as if in a vial.
Ampoule
A small sealed glass capsule containing a liquid, especially a measured quantity ready for injecting
An ampoule of adrenaline
Vial
A glass vessel or bottle, especially a small tube-shaped bottle used to store medicine, perfume or other chemicals.
Ampoule
A hermetically sealed vial made of glass or plastic that contains a sterile medicinal solution or a powder that is usually made into a solution for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection.
Vial
(transitive) To put or keep in, or as in, a vial.
Ampoule
A small hermetically sealed vial, often used to contain a sterile solution suitable for injection.
Vial
A small bottle, usually of glass; a little glass vessel with a narrow aperture intended to be closed with a stopper; as, a vial of medicine.
Take thou this vial, being then in bed,And this distilled liquor drink thou off.
Ampoule
Same as ampule.
Vial
To put in a vial or vials.
Ampoule
A small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
Vial
A small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
Vial
A bottle that has a stopper or cap for sealing.
He sealed the vial after adding the reagent.
Common Curiosities
What is a Vial?
A Vial is a small container, often made of glass or plastic, used to hold liquid.
Are Ampoules only made of glass?
Primarily, Ampoules are made of glass, ensuring they can be easily broken for use.
How does an Ampoule differ from a Vial?
An Ampoule is a sealed glass capsule for single use, while a Vial can often be opened and resealed.
Can I store multiple doses in a Vial?
Yes, Vials can often contain multiple doses of a substance.
Are Ampoules safer than Vials for storing injectables?
Ampoules ensure sterility for single use, making them a preferred choice for certain injectables.
How do I access the content inside an Ampoule?
To access content inside an Ampoule, the top must be snapped or broken off.
How are Ampoules used in cosmetics?
In cosmetics, Ampoules often contain concentrated serums or essential oils for specific treatments.
Is a Vial reusable?
Yes, a Vial can often be resealed and used multiple times.
Why are Ampoules sealed?
Ampoules are sealed to maintain sterility and ensure the purity of the content inside.
Why might a product be stored in an Ampoule instead of a Vial?
Ampoules provide a single, precise dose and ensure sterility until the moment of use.
In which industries are Vials commonly used?
Vials are commonly used in pharmaceutical, medical, and laboratory settings.
Is it safe to reuse an Ampoule?
No, Ampoules are designed for single use and should be discarded after opening.
Can Vials be made of plastic?
Yes, Vials can be made of both glass and plastic.
Is contamination a concern with Vials?
Yes, once a Vial is opened, there's a risk of contamination if not properly sealed again.
Do Vials always come with a stopper or cap?
Most Vials have a stopper or cap to seal and protect the content.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
