Blood Control Technology & Check Valves

Blood Control (BC) IV catheters incorporate an integrated check valve mechanism at the catheter hub that prevents blood from flowing back through the catheter during connection and disconnection procedures. This technology significantly reduces clinician blood exposure and minimizes contamination of the work area.

The check valve operates passively — it allows fluid to flow into the patient during infusion but blocks reverse flow when the infusion line is disconnected or the catheter is being connected to extension tubing. No additional steps or activation are required by the clinician.

In non-BC standard catheters, blood naturally flows back through the catheter once the needle is removed due to venous pressure. This requires the clinician to apply digital pressure proximal to the catheter tip during connection, creating potential for blood exposure. BC catheters eliminate this step entirely.

Blood Control technology is particularly valuable in outpatient and wellness settings where: (a) patients may be seated rather than supine, increasing venous pressure; (b) multiple connection/disconnection cycles occur during a session; (c) maintaining a clean, professional environment is important for patient confidence.

Bridge recommends Blood Control catheters as the standard of care for all non-acute infusion settings. The marginal cost difference is offset by reduced cleanup time, lower blood exposure risk, and improved patient perception of care quality.