Antimicrobial Clave^®
Needlefree Connector

Clinically-proven needlefree technology with the integration of an antimicrobial ionic silver additive to improve the barrier against microbial ingress.

Approved for use on all peripheral, arterial, and central venous catheters.
Offers significant protection from catheter-tip and hub colonization.¹
99.99% reduction rate of 4 common bacteria strains.²
Saline flush option can eliminate the use of heparin.

Antimicrobial Clave Needlefree Connector

Overview

The Antimicrobial Clave features our pioneering and still industry leading needlefree technology enhanced by an ionic silver additive to further reduce bacterial contamination.

During the production process, ionic silver is impregnated into both the split-septum silicone seal and internal blunt cannula of the Antimicrobial Clave, which provides an even and continuous distribution of silver ions throughout the 96-hour use life.

The Antimicrobial Clave features a unique passive technology that cannot accept a needle, ensuring compliance with needlefree policies. No additional components or adapters are required to access the device, and no end caps are required for sterility.

Antimicrobial Clave | Needlefree Connector

How it works

Unique features of the Antimicrobial Clave that may help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination:

Split-septum is noted in the CDC guidelines as a preferred design feature for connectors.³
Straight fluid path allows for clearing of blood and blood residual with low flush volumes.⁴
Minimal deadspace(also referred to as residual volume) of 0.06 mL allows for lower flush volumes.
Flat smooth swabbable surface for ease of disnfection.
Allows a saline flush option, which can eliminate the risk of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Clamping sequence not required, reducing educational burden and risk of error.
Approved for use with power injectors.

Accessing the Fluid Path:

When Antimicrobial Clave is not beeing accessed, the silicone seal forms a safe, swabbable barrier to bacterial ingress.
Upon luer access, the silicone seal is depressed and the fluid path windows are exposed through the device's split septum.
Fluid is either infused or aspirated through the connector and catheter via the dedicated straight internal fluid path.

Technical Specifications

Residual Volume: 0.06 mL

Flow Rate at Gravity: 185 mL / minute

Functional Activations: 600

Blood Compatibility: Yes

MRI Compatibility: Yes

Drug Compatibility

Alcohol: Yes

Lipids: Yes

Chlorhexidine: Yes

Chemotherapy: Yes

Educational Seminars & Presentations

Needle-free Connectors: Split Septum vs. Mechanical Valve…Can this classification model predict infection risk? By Marcia Ryder, PhD MS RN. APIC 2010 Satellite Symposium, Tuesday, July 13th, 2010. Running time: 1hr. 27min.
Click Here to View the Seminar >

References

Bouza E, Munoz P, Lopez-Rodriquez J, Jesus Perez M, Rincon C, Martin Rabadan P, Sanchez C, Bastida E. A needleless closed system device (CLAVE) protects from intravascular catheter tip and hub colonization: a prospective randomized study. JIH (2003) 54: 279-287.
Antimicrobial efficacy of the Clave Connector using silversaturated fluid path elements M1-1211 Rev. 1. Data on file at ICU Medical.
Guideline for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections, Final Issue Review, May 17, 2010 (http://www.cdd.gov/hicpac/pdf/ BSI_guideline_IssuesMay17final.pdf).
Data on file at ICU Medical. Low Volume Flush Characteristics of Unique Needlefree Connectors M1-1223 Rev. 1.

Product Literature

Antimicrobial Clave Brochure (2 MB)

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Clave Product Reference Poster (817 KB)

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Search Our Clinical Evidence Library

Publications

A needleless closed system device (Clave) protects from intravascular catheter tip and hub colonization: a prospective randomized study (74 KB)
Bouza E, Munoz P, Lopez-Rodriguez J, Jesus Perez M, Rincon C, et al. Journal of Hospital Infection, 2003

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The Potential for Catheter Microbial Contamination from a Needleless Connector (71 KB)
Brown J.D., HA Moss, TSJ Elliott. Journal of Hospital Infection 1997; 36:181-189

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Increased Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Rates After the Introduction of a New Mechanical Valve Intravenous Access Port (73 KB)
Maragakis L, Bradley K, Song X, Beers C, Miller M, Cosgrove S, Perl T. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 2006, vol. 27, no. 1; 67-70

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Clinical Reports

Antimicrobial efficacy of the Clave® Connector using silver-saturated fluid path elements (290 KB)

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Bacterial transfer through needlefree connectors: comparison of nine different devices (73 KB)
Ryder M, Fisher S, Hamilton G, Hamilton M, James G. Presented at SHEA April, 2007

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Significantly decreased rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) after discontinuation of a luer access device (LAD) at an academic medical center (72 KB)
Moore C, Landreth R, Maschmeier C, Snyder K, Priestly G, Elliott S. Presented at SHEA 2009, APIC 2010, and Facing the Challenge of CRBSIs. Managing Infection Control, November, 2009

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The Clave connector: meeting functional specifications when exposed to high-risk infusates over a 72 hour period (71 KB)

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Product Reference

Disinfect to Protect

When placing a new Antimicrobial Clave on a catheter, disinfect the catheter hub and prime the Antimicrobial Clave.
Before accessing an Antimicrobial Clave, always disinfect the injection site with the approved antiseptic per facility protocol.
Scrub the injection site in accordance with facility protocol for appropriate scrubbing and drying times

Disinfect to Protect

Administer or Aspirate

Attach IV tubing, syringe or blood tube holder to Antimicrobial Clave by inserting the luer and twisting ¼ turn, or until a friction fit is achieved.
Do not over-tighten a luer beyond the friction fit as this may damage both the luer and the Antimicrobial Clave.
To disconnect, grasp Antimicrobial Clave and then twist the mating luer counterclockwise away from Antimicrobial Clave until loose. Do not hold catheter hub during disconnect as this may cause accidental removal of Antimicrobial Clave from hub.

Administer or Aspirate

Flush After Each Use

Flush the Antimicrobial Clave with normal saline or in accordance with facility protocol. After blood use, the Antimicrobial Clave can be flushed clean and does not require change-out.
Use routine flushing in accordance with facility protocol in order to maintain catheter patency.
Change Antimicrobial Clave in accordance with facility protocol and CDC guidelines.