Comparison of Bacterial CFUs in Five Intravenous Connectors

Abstract

This study determines if there are differences in colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria between five different needleless intravenous connectors. CFUs create environments for bloodstream infections with 1 CFU to begin an infection and 15 to develop infection. Intraluminal pathway protection is a most significant way to eliminate 50% bloodstream infections. Five different connectors were evaluated by independent laboratory in vitro regarding ≥15 CFUs, 4 organisms over 4 days. Q-Syte™ had significantly higher mean number days CFUs ≥15 than all other devices, Rymed-5001® having the least ( p < .0001). Q-Syte™ and TKO+Clave® had significantly more CFUs ≥15 on one or more days. Nonantimicrobial connectors differ on CFU counts in vitro. CFUs are ranked highest to lowest CFUs as follows: Q-Syte™, TKO™Clave ®, MicroCLAVE®, MaxPlus® Clear, and Rymed-5001®. Best nonantimicrobial connector products for intraluminal protection are Rymed-5001® followed by MaxPlus ® Clear. Using the best connector can significantly prevent infections as part of nursing care.