ICU Medical has launched a new neutral displacement needlefree connector to help clinicians better manage neonatal and pediatric patient's fluids and electrolyte status by minimizing flush volumes.

The low profile NanoClave device, which combines a straight fluid path and a residual volume of only 0.02 mL with a clear housing, permits visualization of the fluid path to confirm the connector has been completely flushed after blood draws or administration.

In addition, the connector uses the split-septum straight internal fluid path technology, as used in ICU Medical’s complete portfolio of needlefree vascular access devices, which is clinically-proven to provide an effective microbial barrier against bacteria transfer and contamination.

UC Davis Children’s Hospital nurse manager? Sheryl Ruth said, "We switched to the NanoClave T-connector extension set in both NICU and PICU not only because of the small, smooth profile and extremely low fluid volumes required to flush, but also because it allowed us to continue using a split-septum design, but with no extra parts like our old T-connector."

The company said it will showcase the NanoClave at the Association for Vascular Access Annual Scientific Meeting being held on 16 October 2012 as well as at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Educational Conference and Infectious Disease Week being held on 17 October 2012.