Past injection ports were easy to disinfect and had minimal negative displacement. The problem is they required activation with a needle.
Blunt Cannula Accessed Port
The rise in needlestick injury and infectious disease led to new developments.
Luer-Activated Devices - Negative Displacement
Luer-activated mechanical valve devices arose to comply with the NeedleStick Safety and Prevention Act. These devices reduced the occurrence of needlesticks, but lacked the flat smooth surface of previous devices. The intricate surfaces of these devices feature nooks, crannies, gaps and slits that can harbor bacteria - making it very difficult to adequately disinfect the valve top. As a result, some luer-activated valves have been directly correlated to an increase in bloodstream infections. Moreover, occlusions increased with these new devices. Clinical adaptation consisted of clamping prior to disconnect and positive flush techniques
Luer-Activated Devices - Positive Displacement
To reduce occlusions, positive displacement technology was developed along with newer connectors that claim little (neutral) displacement.
Truly Swabable Positive Displacement Connector
MaxPlus with Tru-Swab Technology is easy to disinfect and helps reduce occlusions.
MaxPlus is the fastest growing needleless connector on the market today. As evidence to its success the MaxPlus is being utilized in a number of facilities who in 2006 were awarded Honor Roll status by the U.S. News and World Report as 'America's Best Hospitals." The nation's top facilities are using the MaxPlus for two main reasons; it helps prevent Catheter Related Blood Stream infections (CRBSIs) and catheter line occlusions. Reducing these two complications improves patient outcomes.
