Conical graduates with capacity less than 25 mL are acceptable for use when compounding prescriptions.

Conical graduates with capacity less than 25 mL are acceptable for use when compounding prescriptions.

• A. Not applicable
• B. Always
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (D)

The key idea is accuracy in measuring liquids for dosing. Conical graduates, especially when their capacity is small, are not designed for precise volume measurement. Their tapered shape makes reading the liquid level more prone to parallax error, and the markings can be harder to read accurately. This means the actual volume delivered can deviate from what’s marked, which is risky when preparing prescriptions that require precise dosing. For small volumes, you should use glassware designed for accurate measurement, such as straight-walled graduated cylinders, or use a precise pipette or syringe, depending on the required accuracy and volume. So, a conical graduate with a capacity under 25 mL is not acceptable for use in compounding prescriptions, making the statement false.

The key idea is accuracy in measuring liquids for dosing. Conical graduates, especially when their capacity is small, are not designed for precise volume measurement. Their tapered shape makes reading the liquid level more prone to parallax error, and the markings can be harder to read accurately. This means the actual volume delivered can deviate from what’s marked, which is risky when preparing prescriptions that require precise dosing. For small volumes, you should use glassware designed for accurate measurement, such as straight-walled graduated cylinders, or use a precise pipette or syringe, depending on the required accuracy and volume. So, a conical graduate with a capacity under 25 mL is not acceptable for use in compounding prescriptions, making the statement false.