Colleagues, needleless connectors were designed (in part) to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries and subsequent pathogen infection. However the connector may increase the risk of central line associated bloodstream infections, yet are often overlooked as a possible source. Our needleless connector must be changed q 7days and during specific procedures, It is challenging for the nurse to identify when to change the connector. If you have a process that aids the nurse in recognizing when it's time to change the connector please share on this forum.
Turena Reeves
RN, BSN, VA-BC
Clinical Educator - Vascular Access
I need to correct your concept of why these devices were created. They were introduced in the early 1990's for the sole purpose of eliminating sharps when connecting syringes to sets or 2 sets together. Reducing pathogen introduction was never an intended purpose. The goal was and is now to prevent accidental needlestick injuries in healthcare personnel. After they were in use of several years, the increase in BSI was attributed to their use. Now the adminstration set used for continuous infusion is changed every 7 days. if using a needleless connector in these continuous infusions, it should not be an issue to change everything down to the catheter hub at the same time. If the infusing solution requires set changed every 24 hours like all PN, the NC should be changed at the same time. The only trouble might be keeping up with the change when only intermittent meds are being given since the intermittent set should be changed every 24 hours. You could set one day a week to change all NCs in that case.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861