Abstract: Systems are described that allow a healthcare practitioner, for example, a nurse, to easily distinguish each of a plurality of IV lines connected to a patient, and preferably any connector or fluid access port or the like integrated with or otherwise attached to or included as part of any particular IV line, from any other IV line(s) and/or connectors, ports, and the like that may also be connected to that patient. Methods of using such systems are also described.

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 first and second housings that a user can rotate independently, even after the device has been securely yet removably attached to, for example, the threaded valve region of a needlefree connector. Such rotation allows a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the device (preferably in a well in the second housing) to be used to actively cleanse potentially contaminated or soiled surface(s) of the valve region of a needlefree connector.

Abstract: This invention provide articles, namely dry devices and systems, to protect male luer fittings of medical devices used for IV therapy, as well as methods of making and using such articles. The male luer fittings of such medical devices (e.g., syringes, catheter hubs, etc.) include tapered male protrusions with a central fluid flow path. In general, the dry devices of the invention comprise a (i) housing that provides at least a first cavity defined by a first side wall that encloses the first cavity and an opening defined by a circumferential sealing flange disposed at a portion of the first side wall proximate to the opening, and a closed end opposite the opening and (ii) a removable seal attached to the housing to prevent access to the first cavity while the seal is attached to the circumferential sealing flange.

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.