METHODS: The study was conducted in a randomized blinded manner at a tertiary level trauma center. One hundred and eight resident doctors participated in the study. All the participants were divided into two groups after randomization. Group A was given the original drug ampoule while the modified ampoule with contrast was given to Group B. Total time in reading the ampoule and difficulty in reading (DR) scoring were noted for each participant. Another scoring regarding correct reading of ampoule was also noted and compared.
METHODS: Student\'s t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used accordingly and P < 0.05 was considered as significant.
RESULTS: It was found that mean time taken in reading the original ampoule was more compared to modified ampoule (11.64 ± 1.48 vs. 9.48 ± 1.62 seconds P < 0.05). DR score was also higher in Group A (P < 0.05) and correct reading score was more in Group B (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The labels on drug ampoules or vials should always have a contrasting background. This may reduce medication error and improve patient safety.