Abstract: A flow sensor including a fluid flow path, a first sensor configured to determine a first measurement of a thermal diffusivity and/or a viscosity of a fluid in the fluid flow path, a second sensor configured to determine a second measurement of a fluid flow velocity and/or a volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the fluid flow path, and at least one processor configured to adjust the second measurement based on the first measurement. A method including receiving fluid in a fluid flow path of a flow sensor, determining a first measurement of a thermal diffusivity and/or a viscosity of the fluid in the fluid flow path, determining a second measurement of a fluid flow velocity and/or a volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the fluid flow path, and adjusting the second measurement based on the first measurement.

Abstract: A needle shield assembly comprises an elongate needle shield comprising a shield portion, a hub connection portion and a bridge portion including a living hinge having a thickness, the bridge portion joining the hub connection portion and the shield portion, the hub connection portion comprising a receiving ring having a diameter sized to frictionally receive the hub outer surface when the needle assembly is inserted through the receiving ring and a flange extending from the receiving ring defining a top planar surface and a bottom surface. The thickness of the flange divided by the thickness of the living hinge defines a ratio of from 1.1 to 6. The shield portion is configured to pivot from an open position in which the needle cannula is exposed, to a closed needle protecting position in which the distal end of the needle cannula is within the longitudinal opening of the shield.

Abstract: A rotary pump for a fluid metering system is provided. The rotary pump reciprocates, and is reversed by a signal from a limit switch that is deflected by an actuator arm on a rotating sleeve of the pump system.

Abstract: A needleless access connector may include a body, which may include a proximal end configured to couple to an instrument delivery device and a distal end configured to couple to a peripheral intravenous catheter assembly. The needleless access connector may also include an accordion valve disposed within the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The accordion valve may include an accordion portion. In response to compression of the accordion portion and opening of the accordion valve, a straight pathway extending through the proximal end and the distal end may be exposed such that an instrument of the instrument delivery device may move distally from the proximal end to the distal end through the straight pathway without bending.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, a catheter, and a dressing to securely apply traction to the catheter where the catheter is disposed within a vasculature of a patient. The catheter adapter may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter may extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The dressing may include a first section adjustably coupled to a second section. The first section may be configured to secure the catheter adapter and/or the catheter to the patient. The second section may be configured to be adjustably positioned relative to the first section to apply the traction to the catheter within the vasculature.

Abstract: A system to detect a position of a cannula may include a cannula, which may include a distal tip and an inner lumen. Also, the system may include an optical fiber, which may be disposed within the inner lumen of the cannula and may include a first end, a second end, and a U-shaped portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The U-shaped portion may be at least proximate the distal tip. Further, the system may include a light emitter, which may be coupled with the first end of the optical fiber, and a light receiver, which may be coupled with the second end of the optical fiber. Moreover, the system may include an electronic processor. The electronic processor may be coupled with the light receiver and configured to detect a decrease in an intensity of light received at the light receiver.

Abstract: A device for connection to a medical connector, the device includes a cap body, a coupling cylinder adapted to engage with a male luer connector and a female luer connector, a bulb compartment filled with air, a reagent compartment filled with disinfectant or an antimicrobial reagent, and a passageway connecting the bulb compartment to the reagent compartment. The reagent compartment includes an exterior wall surface, an interior wall surface, an array of resealable pores densely integrated throughout the exterior wall surface and the interior wall surface of the reagent compartment, and a distal tip. The passageway may be positioned in an aperture of the proximal wall of the cap body. The coupling cylinder may include an O-ring.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes an infusion pump system having a reservoir, a fluid path connected between the reservoir and an insertion mechanism, a plunger arranged inside the reservoir, and a pump drive mechanism coupled with the reservoir. The medication delivery device further includes a processing device configured to determine a user fill volume of a fluid medication by analyzing a location of the plunger inside the reservoir when a fill of the fluid medication is completed. The processing device is configured to determine the user fill volume of the fluid medication by sensing a pressure inside the reservoir.

Abstract: A surgical skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient includes an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and an indicator. The indicator includes a first layer of a first material configured to wick the antiseptic composition, the first material being opaque in a first state and transparent or translucent in a second state, and a second layer of a non-wettable material, the second layer having at least one indicia that is visible to a user when the first layer is in the second state.

Abstract: A stabilization device for integrated catheters can include a platform, a pair of catheter fasteners on the platform, and a pair of stabilization wings extending from the platform. The platform can include a skin-facing side and catheter-securing side of the platform. The pair of catheter fasteners can be on the catheter-securing side of the platform. The catheter fasteners can be configured to secure a hub of an integrated catheter having an extension port. The pair of stabilization wings can extend from a transverse axis of the platform. The stabilization wings can be configured to mitigate rotation of the integrated catheter about a longitudinal axis thereof when the integrated catheter is secured by the catheter fasteners on the platform and the stabilization device is adhered to a patient. A method for stabilizing integrated catheters can include securing an integrated catheter and adhering the stabilization device to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A rotary pump for a fluid metering system is provided. The rotary pump reciprocates, and is reversed by a signal from a limit switch that is deflected by an actuator arm on a rotating sleeve of the pump system. The sleeve receives a gasket that forms a seal between the sleeve and the housing, the gasket having an opening surrounding a side hole of the sleeve to permit fluid to pass through the side hole between a pump volume and an inlet port or outlet port of the housing.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, and a needle hub coupled to the catheter adapter. The needle hub may be transparent, and a needle may be secured within the needle hub. The catheter system may also include a flow control plug coupled to the proximal end of the needle hub. In some embodiments, a flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the flow control plug and an inner surface of the needle hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an inner barrel and an outer barrel, and the inner barrel and the needle hub may be configured to move proximally within the outer barrel to retract the needle. The flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the needle hub and an inner surface of the inner barrel.

Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable cap may prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap may allow passage of a transfer device through the pierceable cap. The shell receives a septum that has four half dome indentations, each indentation defining a quadrant of the septum interior. The indentations are separated by the septum floor which extends along respective first and second diameters of the septum and intersect at approximately ninety degrees. The half dome indentations guide a transfer device to the partially slitted portion of the septum floor.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods, systems and/or kits for detection of bacteria expressing enzymes that confer resistance to antimicrobial agents. Certain embodiments of the compositions, methods, systems and/or kits of the present disclosure are related to detection of carbapenemase-producing gram negative bacteria. Certain embodiments of the compositions, methods, systems and/or kits of the present disclosure are related to detection of Ambler Class A, B and/or D carbapenemase-producing enteric and non-fermenting gram negative rod bacteria.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining baseline noise of a photodetector (e.g., in a light detection system of a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a sample having particles in a flow stream, detecting light with the photodetector from the irradiated flow stream, generating data signals from the detected light and calculating a moving average mean squared error of the generated data signals to determine the baseline of the photodetector. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described. Integrated circuits and non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: A flush syringe with a syringe coupler facilitates twice dispensing of intravenous flushing solution to a patient's vascular access device (VAD), with reduced risk of VAD infection. The syringe coupler incorporates a female, first Luer connector on its proximal end that is removably coupled to the male, barrel Luer connector of the syringe, isolating the latter connector from external contamination. The syringe coupler also has a single-use, male, second Luer connector on its distal end of the housing that is adapted for coupled insertion into the patient's VAD, for delivery of at least a portion of the flushing solution retained within the syringe. After the first delivery, the syringe coupler is de-coupled from both the VAD and the syringe. Thereafter, the syringe's unused, sterile, male, barrel Luer connector is directly coupled to the VAD for dispensing the second portion of the flushing solution.