Choosing the right fluid connectors can improve patient safety and user convenience while maximizing sealing and flow performance.
With so many risks and options for connecting tubing in medical applications, it is important to have a simple and repeatable strategy for selecting the best connector solution. The process requires a thorough analysis of the application in order to ensure connectors will be compatible with the physical, chemical and biological environment, and be easy to use and help prevent misconnections—whether the application involves connecting air lines for a blood pressure cuff, connecting reagent supplies to a blood analyzer or making critical connections between a patient and heart-lung machine. The connector selection process can be broken down into the decision-making steps outlined below:
STEP 1: CONSIDER SAFETY NEEDS
Begin the connector selection process by considering the safety of the patients and health care professionals who will be using the connectors. Connectors need to be easy and intuitive to use so there is no danger of leaks, spills or, in particular, misconnections.
STEP 2: DEFINE THE FUNCTIONAL NEEDS OF THE APPLICATION
The functional needs of a medical equipment application determine the parameters for tubing and connectors. The application also dictates whether the tubing and connectors are disposable or reusable and whether valves are required. For example, many hospitals use disposable blood pressure cuffs as one means of infection control. For the manufacturer of the blood pressure monitor and cuffs, it means selecting a connector style without a valve that is simple, low cost and easy to secure and remove.
STEP 3: CONSIDER ENHANCED CONNECTOR FUNCTION
In addition to connecting tubing to facilitate and control the flow of fluid, new connector technologies can bring other functionality and performance attributes to medical devices and equipment.
STEP 4: MATCH MATERIALS TO THE APPLICATION
The type of media flowing through a connector can influence the selection of a connector.
Although connectors are sometimes thought to be a minor component of medical equipment, they should not be relegated to an afterthought in the design process. Connectors need to be considered early in the process in order to fulfill aesthetic goals as well as product performance and patient safety objectives. Because the connector is usually the user’s primary interface with the device, it plays a key role in overall perception of the design. A well-designed connector makes the medical device easy to use and enhances the overall satisfaction with the device.
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About CPC's Medical Applications
You can trust CPC couplings with your air and fluid handling medical applications. CPC quick disconnect couplings make medical device connections that are cleaner, faster and, most important, safer. Whether your application calls for non-valved or non-spill, low flow or high flow, reusable or disposable, our broad range of standard – including a complete line of small-bore connections, fittings, luers – and custom-engineered components can meet your every specification.
Additional Resources
Products: Medical
White paper: 4 steps in selecting fluid connectors for medical device and equipment applications
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