title: In vitro evaluation of fluid reflux after flushing different types of needleless connectors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate fluid reflux, when disconnecting syringe, for different needleless connectors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine connectors were tested; 540 measurements were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The connectors tested showed very different performances, about reflux, on disconnection of the syringe used for flushing.The calculated reflux volumes are: Max Zero® - BD: 6.90 (±2.47) mm3; MicroClave Clear® - ICU Medical: 6.14 (±1.46) mm3; Bionecteur® - Vygon: 1.24(±0.73) mm3; Neutron® - ICU Medical: 0.12 (±0.15) mm3; SmartSite® Carefusion: 33.51 (±11.50) mm3; Safe Plus® - Cremascoli: 23.54 (±3.56) mm3; NeutraClear® - Cair: 9.36 (±1.87) mm3; NeutroX® - Cair: 0.33 (±0.31) mm3; Dasa® BTC: 2.38 (±1.67) mm3.Differences between investigated devices were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is difficult to establish the best quality-price ratio for needleless connectors. It is important to consider several variable factors: continuous or discontinuous infusion, catheter type, usage environment and caliber of catheter used. It would therefore be useful to have an indication of the intraluminal space potentially affected by blood reflux in relation to a specific device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Needleless connector is one of the main factors involved in keeping catheter patency. It is important to perform the best choice among the connectors available.An empirical reflux measurement, relative to the needleless connector and the catheter in use, can be obtained using an 18G cannula.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department and Intensive Care, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza (MB) - Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elli
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department and Intensive Care, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza (MB) - Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abbruzzese
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department and Intensive Care, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza (MB) - Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cannizzo
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department and Intensive Care, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza (MB) - Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucchini
mesh_terms: D061807:Catheter Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D008422:Materials Testing; D013594:Syringes; D062666:Vascular Access Devices