Needle Free Connector Helps Manage Pediatric Patient Fluids

A new low-profile connector is designed to keep neonatal and pediatric patients safe by minimizing flush volumes, while providing a safe and effective microbial barrier.

The NanoClave Needlefree Connector is a neutral displacement device that combines a straight fluid path and minimal deadspace, with a residual volume of only 0.02 mL. The clear housing permits the visualization of the fluid path, thus allowing confirmation that the connector has been completely flushed after blood draws or administration. The design also helps minimize blood reflux into the tip of the catheter upon connection or disconnection of the luer, thus providing an effective microbial barrier against bacteria transfer and contamination.


The minimal deadspace of the NanoClave Needlefree Connector also reduces the volume of flush solution required to clear an intravenous (IV) connector of blood components, which also helps clinicians in the effort to maintain appropriate patient fluid balance. Additionally, a saline flush option can eliminate the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The NanoClave Needlefree Connector is a product of ICU Medical (San Clemente, CA, USA).

“We switched to the NanoClave T-connector extension set in both NICU and PICU not only because of the small, smooth profile and extremely low fluid volumes required to flush, but also because it allowed us to continue using a split-septum design, but with no extra parts like our old T-connector,” said Sheryl Ruth, RN-C, MSc,
nurse manager
at UC Davis Children's Hospital (Sacramento, CA, USA). “Also, the proven Clave technology really appealed to us from an infection control standpoint. We've had great success so far.”

Effectively managing patient fluids and electrolyte status is one of the most critical elements of neonatal infusion therapy, and is vital to a healthy transition from the in utero to ex utero environment. Since neonates face an increased risk for dehydration and fluid overload (resulting from low renal capacity for urine concentration or dilution), clinicians must carefully calculate and monitor neonatal fluid and electrolyte requirements.

Related Links:
ICU Medical
UC Davis Children's Hospital