Clinical
Infection risks associated with needleless intravenous access devices
Needleless intravenous (IV) access devices were initially introduced into clinical practice to reduce the rate of IV catheter-related needlestick injuries. Their efficacy for this purpose has been confirmed in subsequent reports. However, since their introduction approximately 15 years ago there have been conflicting reports about the risk of IV catheter-related bloodstream infection. This article reviews the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection associated with needleless IV access devices and outlines the types of needleless IV access devices available.
