Abstract: Single-use devices configured to sanitize accessible surfaces of luer access devices (e.g., needleless medical valves) at risk of contamination with infectious agents are described, as are methods for making and using such devices. In particularly preferred embodiments, such devices include a container (e.g., laminated foil pouches or packets) that contain a sanitizing component that includes a substrate with a cleaning port or recess, a cleansing matrix associated with the substrate, and a sanitizing reagent dispersed in the cleansing matrix.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved single use caps or covers for vascular access devices such as needlefree connectors that are used, for example, in intravenous administration sets and extension sets. Removal of a single use cap or cover according to the invention from a vascular access device destroys the cap such that it cannot be reused. Such single use caps and covers will help ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which will assist in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly catheter-related blood stream infections. Assemblies and kits its including such caps and covers, for example, IV administration and extension sets that include one or more needlefree connectors, as well as methods for using such caps and covers, are also described.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved single use caps or covers for vascular access devices such as needlefree connectors that are used, for example, in intravenous administration sets and extension sets. Removal of a single use cap or cover according to the invention from a vascular access device destroys the cap such that the cap cannot be reused. Said single use caps or covers will help ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which will assist in reducing incidences of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly catheter-related blood stream infections. Assemblies and kits including said caps or covers, for example, IV administration and extension sets that include one or more needlefree connectors, as well as methods for using said caps or covers, are also described.

Abstract: Single-use devices configured to sanitize accessible surfaces of luer access devices (e.g., needleless medical valves) at risk of contamination with infectious agents are described, as are methods for making and using such devices. In particularly preferred embodiments, such devices include a container (e.g., laminated foil pouches or packets) that contain a sanitizing component that includes a substrate with a cleaning port or recess, a cleansing matrix associated with the substrate, and a sanitizing reagent dispersed in the cleansing matrix.

Abstract: Capping and cleansing devices for capping and cleansing threaded vascular access connectors, particularly luer access devices such as needlefree vascular access connectors, threaded male luer connectors, and threaded open female luer connectors, and methods for using such devices, are described. The devices of the invention include interconnected inner and outer housings that a user can transition between a locked or engaged position to allow them to rotate in unison and a unlocked or disengaged position that allows the outer housing to rotate independently of the inner housing about the device's central axis, and a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the device (preferably in a well in the outer housing).

Abstract: Capping and cleansing devices for capping and cleansing needlefree connectors, particularly luer access devices such as needlefree vascular access connectors, and methods for using said devices, are described. The devices of the invention each include interconnected inner and outer housings that a user can transition between a locked or engaged position to allow the inner and outer housings to rotate in unison and an unlocked or disengaged position that allows the outer housing to rotate independently of the inner housing, and a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the device (preferably in a well in the outer housing).

Abstract: Capping and cleansing devices for capping and cleansing needlefree connectors, particularly luer access devices such as needlefree vascular access connectors, and methods for using said devices, are described. The devices of the invention each include interconnected inner and outer housings that a user can transition between a locked or engaged position to allow the inner and outer housings to rotate in unison and an unlocked or disengaged position that allows the outer housing to rotate independently of the inner housing, and a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the devices (preferably in a well in the outer housing).

Abstract: This invention concerns improved single use caps or covers for vascular access devices such as needlefree connectors that are used, for example, in intravenous administration sets and extension sets. Removal of a single use cap or cover according to the invention from a vascular access device destroys the cap such that it cannot be reused. Such single use caps and covers will help ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which will assist in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly catheter-related blood stream infections. Assemblies and kits its including such caps and covers, for example, IV administration and extension sets that include one or more needlefree connectors, as well as methods for using such caps and covers, are also described.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved single use caps or covers for vascular access devices such as needlefree connectors that are used, for example, in intravenous administration sets and extension sets. Removal of a single use cap or cover according to the invention from a vascular access device destroys the cap such that it cannot be reused. Such single use caps and covers will help ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which will assist in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly catheter-related blood stream infections. Assemblies and kits its including such caps and covers, for example, IV administration and extension sets that include one or more needlefree connectors, as well as methods for using such caps and covers, are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides sterilized vascular access assemblies that include a sterilized needleless access connector (NAC) and a sterilized removable protective cap or cover capping or covering one or both of the NAC's fluid inlet and/or fluid outlet, and methods of making and using such assemblies, advantageously in the context of providing fluids, medication, and/or nutrition to patients in acute or long-term healthcare settings.

Abstract: This invention concerns computer-based methods and systems to monitor and track compliance with infection prevention protocols.

Abstract: Capping and cleansing devices for capping and cleansing needlefree connectors, particularly luer access devices such as needlefree vascular access connectors, and methods for using such devices, are described. The devices of the invention include interconnected inner and outer housings that a user can transition between a locked or engaged position to allow them to rotate in unison and a unlocked or disengaged position that allows the outer housing to rotate independently of the inner housing about the device's central axis, and a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the device (preferably in a well in the outer housing).

Abstract: Single-use devices configured to sanitize accessible surfaces of luer access devices (e.g., needleless medical valves) at risk of contamination with infectious agents are described, as are methods for making and using such devices. In particularly preferred embodiments, such devices include a container (e.g., laminated foil pouches or packets) that contain a sanitizing component that includes a substrate with a cleaning port or recess, a cleansing matrix associated with the substrate, and a sanitizing reagent dispersed in the cleansing matrix.

Abstract: Medical article securement devices are described. These devices retain a medical article, for example, a catheter hub or other luer access device, in position on a patient's body and reduce or inhibit the article's longitudinal or other movement.

Abstract: Described are disposable, single-use fluid access port cover devices for medical connectors such as luer access valves, including needless, valved connectors (i.e., needless valves). Such device typically include a plastic backing element that preferably includes a device removal tab and a recess adapted to receive a port cover matrix having an antimicrobial agent dispersed or disposed therein.

Abstract: This invention concerns relievable normally closed check valves for use in conjunction with fluid delivery systems for medical patients, as well as methods for making and using valves. In the medical context, such valves function at very low fluid pressures, and include a multi-part valve body made from upper and lower housings capable of movement relative to each other that, when operably connected, dispose between them a compliant or deformable, resilient valve element normally biased in the closed position against a valve seat present on the inner surface of the upper housing. The upper housing also includes a lower housing seat. The inside surface of the lower housing contains or supports a structure that positions the valve element to engage the valve seat in the absence of fluid pressure above the valve's pre-determined cracking pressure.

Abstract: This invention concerns relievable normally closed check valves for use in conjunction with fluid delivery systems for medical patients, as well as methods for making and using valves. In the medical context, such valves function at very low fluid pressures, and include a multi-part valve body made from upper and lower housings capable of movement relative to each other that, when operably connected, dispose between them a compliant or deformable, resilient valve element normally biased in the closed position against a valve seat present on the inner surface of the upper housing. The upper housing also includes a lower housing seat. The inside surface of the lower housing contains or supports a structure that positions the valve element to engage the valve seat in the absence of fluid pressure above the valve's pre-determined cracking pressure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns computer-based methods and systems for performing buyer-initiated reverse auctions to purchase consumer products and services. The invention allows a prospective buyer who commits to purchase a particular consumer good or service for not more than a buyer-specified price to initiate a reverse auction online amongst accredited vendors of the consumer product or service in order to purchase the product or service on terms at least as favorable as initially specified by the buyer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer system according to the invention includes a network computer that receives particular product/service descriptions and buyer-specified price ceilings from financially committed buyers. The system then initiates a reverse auction amongst accredited potential vendors who bid against one another in an effort to secure the sale. Upon the auction's closing, the accredited vendor that offered the most favorable terms to the buyer is awarded the sale.

Abstract: The present invention concerns computer-based methods and systems for performing buyer-initiated reverse auctions to purchase consumer products and services. The invention allows a prospective buyer who commits to purchase a particular consumer good or service for not more than a buyer-specified price to initiate a reverse auction online amongst accredited vendors of the consumer product or service in order to purchase the product or service on terms at least as favorable as initially specified by the buyer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer system according to the invention includes a network computer that receives particular product/service descriptions and buyer-specified price ceilings from financially committed buyers. The system then initiates a reverse auction amongst accredited potential vendors who bid against one another in an effort to secure the sale. Upon the auction's closing, the accredited vendor that offered the most favorable terms to the buyer is awarded the sale.

Abstract: This invention concerns relievable normally closed check valves for use in conjunction with fluid delivery systems for medical patients, as well as methods for making and using valves. In the medical context, such valves function at very low fluid pressures, and include a multi-part valve body made from upper and lower housings capable of movement relative to each other that, when operably connected, dispose between them a compliant or deformable, resilient valve element normally biased in the closed position against a valve seat present on the inner surface of the upper housing. The upper housing also includes a lower housing seat. The inside surface of the lower housing contains or supports a structure that positions the valve element to engage the valve seat in the absence of fluid pressure above the valve's pre-determined cracking pressure.