Needleless Connectors

Sequence for Flushing, Clamping, and Disconnecting

Follow the manufacturers' directions for use if available.

In the absence of manufacturer directions, identify the internal mechanism for fluid displacement reported by the manufacturer for the type of needleless connector being used and use the following sequence (Gorski et al., 2021):

Internal Mechanism for Fluid Displacement	Sequence for Flushing, Clamping, and Disconnecting
Box 16-4	Needleless Connectors
Negative displacement	Flush, clamp, disconnect
Positive displacement	Flush, disconnect, clamp
Neutral and antireflux	No specific sequence required

Source: Adapted from Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharpe, E., & Alexander, M.; Infusion Nurses Society. (2021). Infusion therapy. Standards of practice, 8th edition. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1), S1-S224. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396

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Box 16-4