How can closed connections improve my outcomes?

A central goal in vascular access management is to help prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and other catheter-related complications.1

What are open and closed connections?

A connection is a point where any 2 luers (e.g., syringe, catheter, infusion set, or three-way stopcock) join within a system.1 These are typically used for infusion therapy, or to access points where drugs or fluids can be delivered.1 A connection can be accessed and manipulated multiple times over the life of the line.2 Depending upon the components used, a connection is either open or closed.3



OPEN | CLOSED

Open connections

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An "open" system uses traditions components (e.g. stopcocks) that require some form of closure (e.g. caps) to reduce entry of microbial contamination into the lumen.3,4

Clinical risks of open systems include:

  • Microbial ingress4
  • Air embolism5
  • Exsanguination6
  • Increased clinical burden and cost associated with complications9,10

Closed connections

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A "closed" system uses components (e.g. needle-free connectors, or NFCs) previously developed for preventing needlestick injuries that may reduce risk of microbial contamination.3

Benefits of closed systems include:

  • Prevention of CLABSI and other catheter-related complications (e.g. phlebitis)3,11
  • Exposure to less risk, making practice safer for the patient12
  • Reduced number of catheter replacements and length of hospitalization11
  • Greater dwell time, reducing costs associated with restarting catheters8

Why upgrade from open to closed connections?

Closed connections help you reduce the risk of catheter-related complications, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the quality of care.3, 8, 11, 12 To learn how, select a role.

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Did You Know?

Central venous access devices are a common source of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections.

These infections can increase the odds of patient mortality up to 2.75X.13

The Clinical Value:

Upgrading from an open IV connection device to a needle-free connector (NFC) helps reduce the risk of bloodstream infections (CLABSI/CRBSI).*

CLABSI rates reduced by 56-90% after implementation of a NFC (BD SmartSite™, BD Q-Style™, BD MaxZero™) and practicing standard hand hygiene, disinfection and flushing practices.3,14,15,16


Watch an educational webinar



Webinar 2: Examining the clinical and economic benefits of closed vs open connections


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Webinar 1: Safe Connections in vascular access management

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Access our Clinical evidence compendium

In Safe connections for infusion therapy: Clinical evidence compendium, you will read about 14 studies evaluating the effect of closed IV connection devices versus open IV connection devices, with results concerning catheter-related complications, hospital costs, and user/patient experience.

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Fill out the form to download our Clinical evidence compendium and for more...

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