Abstract: The device disclosed herein may be affixed over a transparent dressing overlying the catheter entry point, or may be used independent of such a dressing. The device may be affixed to the catheter insertion site using an adhesive or fastening band, or through other methods. Depending on context, the device may be used continuously or periodically, and may be affixed such that it is directly abutting a transparent dressing or directly adjacent to the skin surface, or it may be spaced a certain distance from the skin. If spaced from the skin, light may be directed from the light sources, either directly or indirectly through optical conduits. Preferably the light sources will be positioned such that light from the light sources overlaps at one or more areas on the skin, especially the catheter entry point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing patient bloodstream infection by microorganisms during administration of various medications or fluids through IV lines. In particular, the invention reduces contamination of IV lines, connecters, stopcock valves, manifolds, ports, etc. by means of irradiation by violet and/or blue light. Each embodiment comprises a source of violet and/or blue light and an optical element optically coupled to that light source for shaping the radiation pattern of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits light in the desired wavelength can be used. The optical element, optically coupled to the light source, is embedded or installed in or attached to a component of an IV set, the emitted light being directed to a “point of entry” or any other stagnation point of an IV set.