OBJECTIVES: The manipulation of drugs from glass ampules can generate particles when the ampule is broken. Several authors recommend the use of filter needle to withdraw the drug content. The main objective is to establish an inventory of the use of filter needles and the perception of pharmacists in Quebec and in France. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. A questionnaire was sent to all health facilities in Quebec (n=30) and a selection of hospitals in France (n=100). Respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire that included policies and procedures on the use of these medical devices and the conditions of their use at the pharmacy and in healthcare services. RESULTS: In total, 27 respondents from Quebec (response rate: 90%) and 41 respondents from France (response rate: 41%) participated in our survey. In Quebec, all exploitable questionnaires except one (42/43) used five micron filter needles at the pharmacy against 28% of utilisation in healthcare services. In France, this practice is nearly ignored. CONCLUSIONS: Action should be taken to decide on the use of filter needles including studies to confirm the consequences of the presence of these particles on an animal model, discussions with regulatory authorities to clarify the situation, incentives for manufacturers to use vials.