A medicine spoon is an item related to pharmaceuticals. Indeed, it is a tool used to handle medications that cannot be touched by hands, typically made from materials such as buffalo horn, metal, or plastic. So, how can a medicine spoon be used correctly? Let's explore below.

1. How to Use a Medicine Spoon Correctly: In laboratories, medicine spoons are frequently used to handle powders or solid medications. Therefore, based on the type, size, and dosage of the medication, an appropriately sized medicine spoon should be selected. Even if the spoon is made of metal, it should not be used to handle hot medications, and it should not come into contact with acidic or alkaline solutions.

   After using the medicine spoon, it should be promptly wiped clean with paper to avoid residue affecting subsequent use. It is advisable to use specialized spoons for different medications, eliminating the need for frequent washing. For instance, glass spoons can be stored for an extended period in small wide-mouth bottles containing solid reagents.

   When handling powdered medications with a medicine spoon, the operation must be correct. It follows the principle of "tilt, deliver, and stand upright," meaning that the test tube is first tilted, the medicine spoon (or paper trough) containing the medication is carefully delivered to the bottom of the test tube, and then the test tube is stood upright.

   Remember not to smell the vapors emitted by medications during handling, avoid touching medications with hands, and never be curious to taste the medication. As the precious nature of medications is well-known, strict control of quantities according to laboratory standards is essential. Unused medication should not be returned to the original bottle; instead, it should be placed in a designated container for uniform disposal.

2. Precautions for Using a Medicine Spoon:

   1. Choose a medicine spoon of an appropriate size based on the quantity of the reagent being used.
   2. Do not use the spoon to handle hot substances, and avoid contact with acidic or alkaline solutions.
   3. After using the spoon, promptly wipe it clean with paper.
   4. It is advisable to dedicate specific spoons to specific uses. Small glass spoons made from glass rods can be stored long-term in small wide-mouthed bottles containing solid reagents, eliminating the need for washing after each use.

   When handling powdered medications, use a medicine spoon (or paper trough). The correct procedure is: "tilt, deliver, and stand upright." Specifically, tilt the test tube first, carefully deliver the medicine spoon (or paper trough) containing the substance to the bottom of the test tube, and then stand the test tube upright.