Resistance to the migration of microorganisms of a needle-free disinfectable connector

Am J Infect Control. 2003 Dec;31(8):462-4. doi: 10.1016/s0196-6553(03)00089-0.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a disinfectable needle-free connector in reducing the pass of micro-organisms to the lumen of the catheter. A prospective, controlled, experimental trial was performed in which a laboratory model simulated the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter. Catheters inserted in sterile conditions in a hemoculture bottle were closed with the disinfectable needle-free connector (study group) or with a cap (control group). After 9 days of contamination and manipulation of the connector and cap external surfaces, 100% of bottles in the control group were contaminated whereas 60% remained sterile in the study group. The disinfectable needle-free connector showed more resistance to the pass of microorganisms than the conventional cap according to our experimental model.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / microbiology*
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies