Medical device connectors for neuraxial and regional anesthesia applications are changing to meet international design standards. To reduce the risk of wrong route medication errors the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed standards for small-bore connectors, one being in the field of neuraxial and regional anesthesia (ISO 80369-6). The name that will be used to identify devices that comply with the ISO 80369-6 standard is: NRFit®.
Reducing risks of misconnections in regional anesthesia
The universally compatible Luer connector has been identified as a key element in ‘wrong route’ medication errors. Luer connectors are widely used for delivery of infusions. Literature shows that any patient having multiple access systems in place are exposed to higher risks of misconnections.
User benefits of NRFit®
Dedicated connectors intended to help reduce the risks of misconnections
20 % smaller in diameter
Yellow color coding where feasible allows faster identification of regional anesthesia devices
NRFit® product overview
In line with the new ISO standard for neuraxial and regional anesthesia devices, we have developed a comprehensive range of products with NRFit® connectors for the corresponding process steps.
Medical device connectors for neuraxial & regional anesthesia applications are changing to meet international design standards.
The increasing sensitivity to medication errors in clinical settings is visible in an increasing number of publications on this subject in Pubmed between 2000 and 2014(Fig. 1).
ISO standard
ISO 80369-6 in detail
The ISO standard ‘specifies requirements for smallbore connectors intended to be used for connections in neuraxial applications. Neuraxial applications involve the use of medical devices intended to administer medications to neuraxial sites, wound infiltration anesthesia delivery, and other regional anesthesia procedures or to monitor or remove cerebro spinal fluid for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.‘
B. Braun products with NRFit® connector
In line with the ISO standard for neuraxial and regional anesthesia devices, B. Braun has developed a comprehensive portfolio with NRFit® connectors for the corresponding process steps.
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1. Kress R. Townley, Jason Lane, Robyn Packer, and Rajnish K. Gupta. Unintentional Infusion of Phenylephrine into the Epidural Space. A&A Case Rep. 2016 Mar 1; 6(5):124-6
