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Abstract
Reports of outbreaks associated with the use of needle-free valve connectors suggest
2 common risk factors: (1) poor adherence to disinfection practices before use and
(2) a design that allows contamination when not in use. Swabbing a membranous septum
with 70% isopropyl alcohol may not eliminate septal surface contamination. Frequent
access through and handling of needle-free connectors also puts patients at increased
risk of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs). A novel
antiseptic barrier cap has been designed to maintain health care worker safety and
eliminate the vulnerabilities of existing systems to contamination and CR-BSIs for
patients at risk.