Forum topic

6 posts / 0 new
Last post
TNauman@peacehe...
Blood draws and blood infusion through pos. displacement caps

Is it acceptable to draw labs through the pos-displacement caps, or should they be removed?

Do you infuse blood products through the cap or remove it?  In the past, we have removed it

feeling that it was difficult to flush blood completely out of the cap.

Thanks,

Tanya

 

 

Tom Billings
The CLC2000 as well as Clave

The CLC2000 as well as Clave and MicroClave are compatible with blood infusion and sampling ie no hemolysis.  10-20cc of NS effectively eliminate all hemoglobin from these connector.  Change according to your facility protocol.

Tom Billings, RN
Product Specialist
ICU Medical, Inc.
TNauman@peacehe...
Thank you all so much for

Thank you all so much for your input.

Tanya

T. Nauman RN, CRNI

lynncrni
The problem with blood
The problem with blood transfusion and blood sampling or even checking for a blood return with any needleless device is that the device is not clear. The blue or solid white color prevents you from seeing that all whole blood has been flushed out. Also, biofilm and fibrin is documented to grow inside these connectors, so our flushing techniques do not remove all of the blood components. There will always be blood proteins and other clotting factors that adhere to the plastics. Lynn

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

Timothy Royer B...
The work I have done with

The work I have done with clear valves and blood sampling, blood transfusions, etc.... clearly shows that blood cannot be entirely flushed from valves.  Clear valves also tells the story of who has not flushed properly (not only after blood products or drawing blood but also one can see the precipitates that are left behind from medications when lines are not flushed properly or an inadequate flush).  Change your valves regularly and after blood products or lab draws.  Disconnect the tubing from the valve and flush immediately after any medications (otherwise your valve, whether neutral or positive displacement, is not stopping the back flow of blood. 

Tom Billings
It is important to know the

It is important to know the fluid path of any needle-less connector.  Some have dead space/priming volumes of up to .34cc. A straight direct non turbulent fluid path enables effective flushing.  While blood may not be visible to the naked eye in a clear connector that is not proof that microscopic residual is left.  Data that shows effective removal of blood is important.  It is important to learn the differences between connectors and not just call them all "valves".

Tom Billings, RN
Product Specialist
ICU Medical, Inc.
Log in or register to post comments