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
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, RNProduct SpecialistICU Medical, Inc.Thank you all so much for your input.
Tanya
T. Nauman RN, CRNI
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
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.
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, RNProduct SpecialistICU Medical, Inc.