Hey padycakes Its a no brainer you want to be a safe as possible just like the Dr wash your hands and use alcohol every time...I had a friend who was not to hip to being sterile and got a nasty infection leg swelled up bruised... nasty Good luck brother nice to see ya up on the board today.. and the flip top wont go back on throw it away and store your gear in a safe and sterile place..
lol.. leave the rubber exposed mannn!!!! yeah bro. just keep ur amps or vials in a cool dry, dark area and wipe the rubber top every time before puncturing with the needle. this way bacteria wont accumulate onto the rubber top. u will wipe away all bacteria every time u use the vial/amp.