Systems and methods to monitor proper disinfection of needleless connectors

Abstract

A device and method for disinfecting a needleless connector, the device including a housing comprising a hub rotationally coupled to a motor, the motor being operably connected to a power source, the hub further comprising a receptacle configured to receive a cleaning head, wherein the device is configured to detect achievement of one or more minimum thresholds which are recommended to achieve proper disinfection of the needleless connector. Various devices and methods are further provided to permit tracking and reporting of disinfection events.

1 . A device for disinfecting a needleless connector, the device comprising:
 a cleaning head comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal opening, the proximal end having a plurality of indents spaced radially about an exterior of the body, and the distal opening forming an inner chamber having a length and diameter capable of receiving a needleless connector; and   a hub rotationally coupled to a motor, wherein the hub comprises first and second elongated arms, wherein distal ends of each of the first and second elongated arms comprise a hook member and an inwardly tapered surface distal to the hook member, wherein in response to the cleaning head being advanced proximally within the hub, the hook members of the first and second elongated arms enter the plurality of indents of the cleaning head.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning pad disposed within the inner chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the cleaning pad is preloaded with a cleaning agent. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the cleaning pad is capable of receiving a cleaning agent prior to the cavity receiving a needleless connector. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is disposable. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is reusable. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an absorbent material disposed within the inner chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising an absorbent material interposed between the cleaning pad and the inner chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the absorbent material is impregnated with a cleaning agent. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner chamber comprises tapered walls. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a computer-readable code positioned on an outer surface of the body and which contains information related to the identity and history of the apparatus. 
     
     
         16 . A method for manufacturing the cleaning head apparatus of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 . A method for cleaning a needleless connector using the cleaning head apparatus of  claim 2 , the method comprising steps for:
 pressing the proximal end of the cleaning head against the inwardly tapered surfaces of the first and second arms;   inserting the first and second attachment arms into the plurality of indents to attach the cleaning head to the motor;   inserting the needleless connector into the inner chamber; and   rotating the cleaning head via the motor while maintaining the inserted position of the needleless connector within the inner chamber.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising a step for preloading the cleaning pad with a cleaning agent prior to inserting the needleless connector into the inner chamber. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising a step for removing the needleless connector from the inner chamber after the needleless connector is disinfected. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a step for disposing the cleaning head apparatus after the step removing the needleless connector from the inner chamber.