What it means
Needleless systems let staff give IV drugs, flush lines and draw blood without exposed needles, which prevents needlestick injuries and is required where possible by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The needleless connector at the end of an IV line is also a place where germs can enter the bloodstream.
For the nurse
Scrub the hub: clean the connector with an alcohol or chlorhexidine pad, with friction, for the time set by policy (often 5 to 15 seconds) and let it dry before every access.
At a glance
| Also written | needle-free |
|---|
Related terms
IV
Intravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.
catheter
A thin, flexible tube put into the body to drain fluid out or to put fluid or drugs in.
postexposure
Happening after a person has been exposed to an infection, poison or other hazard.