Originally Published MPMN April 2001

Spotlight on IV Components

Rubber, latex, and plastic componentsMedical-grade rubber, dipped latex, and plastic components are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility. The company can provide kits packed with OEM nonlatex rubber components and standard IV components used on IV sets worldwide. Abbott Laboratories, 268 E. Fourth St., Ashland, OH 44805.Needleless systemA latex-free valve features a very low priming volume, no metal components that could create MRI image artifacts, and a low-profile design to minimize patient irritation. The SmartSite unit can be used to infuse or withdraw blood with a flow path equivalent to an 18-G needle. Its flow-through piston creates a nontortuous fluid path, minimizing the possibility of hemolysis. Alaris Medical Systems Inc., 10221 Wateridge Cir., San Diego, CA 92121-2733.IV componentsAn ISO 9001–certified manufacturer offers a broad line of IV components, including male and female luer adapters, stopcocks, check valves, single- and dual-flow piercing devices, barbed connectors, burette chambers, caps, Y-fittings, T-fittings, and triconnectors, as well as custom designs. Burron OEM Div., B. Braun Medical Inc., 824 Twelfth Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018.Standard and custom IV componentsCheck valves, connectors, luers, flashback bulbs, injection sites, sleeve stoppers, and other IV components are available in natural rubber–free and universal formulations. The manufacturer's engineers can also design custom components to meet the varying requirements of infusion dispensing systems. Concepts are quickly and efficiently moved from inception to scale-up to production. West Pharmaceutical Services, 101 Gordon Dr., Lionville, PA 19341.Check valvesOne-way check valves feature barbed fittings. The valves open at very low pressure (less than 7 cm of water) and are 100% tested to ensure that backflow is not possible even at very low back pressures. Valves also are available with straight fittings in many sizes and materials. Resenex, 9614 Cozycroft Ave., Unit #F, Chatsworth, CA 91311.Male reflux valveA male reflux valve can be used with most standard ANSI/ISO female valves and connectors, providing OEMs with low-cost closed systems. When the normally closed male reflux valve is coupled with a normally closed female valve, both valves open, allowing flow through the connection. When the valves are disengaged, both ends of the system close, allowing convenient disconnection of the two lines with no worries of residue leaking from either of the disconnected ends. Halkey-Roberts Corp., 11600 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33716.Needleless connectorsNeedleless access sites prevent accidental needle sticks by eliminating the conventional method of using sharp metal needles for accessing IV lines. The sites are luer-activated valves that simply require the instertion of a standard male luer to access the attached tubing. A swabbable valve mechanism is in the flush position, and when a male luer is connected to the needleless site, this internal valve mechanism cants to one side to allow fluid to flow freely. Fluid flow is external to the valve, allowing high visibility of the fluid pathway during clinical monitoring. Qosina, 150-Q Executive Dr., Edgewood, NY 11717.Copyright ©2001 Medical Product Manufacturing News