Swabbable needleless vial access

Abstract

The invention provides for a cleansable, i.e., swabbable, access pot, formed by a stopper having a bore extending from an entry position to an exit position; and a plug in the bore at the entry position and movable in the bore; whereby the location of the plug at the entry position of the stopper permits the cleansing or swabbing of the outer surfaces of the plug and the stopper before the plug is depressed into the bore of the stopper for a vial or container in order to reduce the danger of contamination of the bore by pathogens. To convert from single-use vial access, to multiple-use vial access, the plug is replaced by a swabbable, needleless, multiple-use lock connector in which the plug contains a slit that is closed upon initial depression but is thereafter openable to permit flow through the connector into a vial or container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09 / 073,022, filed May 4, 1998. The invention relates to coupling systems for the transfer of materials from one unit to another, and, more particularly, to coupling units with a first unit including a swabbable access port and a second unit including a blunt cannula. The access port receives the blunt cannula to effect a coupling of particular medicinal applicability for medications and body fluids. The swabbability of the access port allows disinfectant treatment before receipt of the blunt cunnula to limit the extent to which pathogens can enter the cannula after coupling is effected. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In medical practice, containers for medication typically are bottles capped with rubber-like stoppers. A tamper-evident seal surrounds the stopper and at least the upper portion of the container. To administer medication, the seal is removed, a syringe with a needle or cannula is used to punctu...

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