In medicine, a needleless connector connects to the end of vascular catheters and enable catheter access for infusion and aspiration.[1] Needleless connectors (also known as NC's) were developed to reduce needlestick injuries, which occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle.[2] Needlestick injuries can be very serious and potentially expose a healthcare professional to bloodborne infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.[3][4]
The needless connector should provide safe access to the catheter without the use of needles and enable the following:[citation needed]
- Minimize catheter occlusion risk.
- Allow for easy and effective decontamination between each use to prohibit microbial entry e.g. via a flat surface which is flush with the housing.
Before utilizing a needleless connector, it is important to properly disinfect the device to help prevent central line[5]–associated bloodstream infection.[6]
Various designs for the needless connector and its components have been developed over the years. This includes a patent developed by Karl Leinsing for "needleless connector" which relates generally to connectors of the type used in the handling and administration of parenteral fluids, and more particularly, to a valve mechanism incorporated within such connector for~~enabling a fluid interconnection to be made therewith without the use of a sharp cannula.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Curran, Evonne (September 2016). "Needleless connectors: the vascular access catheter's microbial gatekeeper". Journal of Infection Prevention. 17 (5): 234–240. doi:10.1177/1757177416657164. ISSN 1757-1774. PMC 5102078. PMID 28989484.
- ^ "Needlestick injury | betterhealth.vic.gov.au". www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
- ^ "Bloodborne Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C". Medical Management. 2013-11-19. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- ^ "CDC - Bloodborne Infectious Diseases - Emergency Needlestick Information - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. 2018-11-21. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
- ^ "Central line infections - hospitals: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
- ^ Moureau, Nancy L.; Dawson, Robert B. (December 2010). "Needleless connector know-how". Nursing Management. 41 (12): 40–41. doi:10.1097/01.NUMA.0000390461.26871.25. ISSN 0744-6314. PMID 21116154.
- ^ "Needleless connector". Patents.Google. 25 April 1996. Retrieved 1 April 2021.