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Hemolysis in needleless connectors for phlebotomy
M Keith Sharp1, S Fazal Mohammad
1Biofluid Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, 215 Sackett Hall, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|February 1, 2003
Summary
Needleless connectors, designed to prevent needle sticks, may increase blood hemolysis. While some devices and needle sizes caused more red blood cell damage, it did not interfere with clinical testing.
Area of Science:
- Medical devices
- Hematology
- Clinical pathology
Background:
- Needleless connectors aim to reduce blood-borne disease transmission from accidental needle sticks.
- The impact of these connectors on blood hemolysis, or red blood cell rupture, requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of needleless connectors on hemolysis during simulated clinical blood draws.
- To compare hemolysis levels across different needleless connector devices, needle gauges, and blood collection methods.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from five volunteers were collected using vacuum tubes and syringes.
- Samples were drawn through two types of needleless connectors (PosiFlow and Clave) and varying needle gauges (16, 18, 22).
- Hemolysis was quantified using a spectrophotometric assay.
Main Results:
- The use of needleless connectors was associated with increased hemolysis compared to standard methods.
- The PosiFlow connector induced higher hemolysis than the Clave device.
- Eighteen-gauge needles, vacuum tubes, and the PosiFlow connector showed the greatest erythrocyte damage, but all hemolysis levels remained clinically insignificant.
Conclusions:
- Needleless connectors can contribute to blood hemolysis, with variations observed between devices and collection methods.
- Despite increased hemolysis, current needleless connectors do not compromise the clinical validity of blood assays.