Which gauge needle must never be used to prevent coring and leaking?

The critical aspect of preventing coring and leaking when using needles relates to the gauge size. A 16-gauge needle is larger in diameter compared to smaller gauge needles, which increases the risk of coring—meaning that when the needle is inserted into a rubber stopper, it can push a piece of the rubber into the medication. This not only allows for contamination but also may create leaks, which is particularly dangerous in a pharmacy setting where sterile conditions are paramount.

In practice, needles that are too large are typically avoided for drawing from vials or ampules to maintain the integrity of the container and the medication. Smaller gauge needles are preferred for drawing up liquids as they minimize the risk of this type of contamination and provide a more secure seal, therefore preventing leaking.

Understanding this concept is essential for pharmacy technicians, as it influences both safety and efficacy in medication preparation and administration.