Description
The INTERLINK Needle-free Injection Site is a sterile, single-use IV injection port designed to provide needleless access to an intravenous line. Featuring a male luer lock adapter and a split-septum needle-free connector, it enables clinicians to inject or withdraw fluids using standard luer devices without the use of hypodermic needles, helping to reduce needlestick injuries and maintain a closed IV system. The connector is non-DEHP, non-PVC and latex-free, and is supplied individually sterile, commonly in cases of 200 units for clinical use. This Medisave listing is a clearance item due to a short expiry date (October 2023).
Bnefits
- Needle-free IV access, reducing the risk of needlestick injuries to healthcare staff.
- Maintains a closed IV system, helping to minimise contamination and infection risk.
- Male luer lock adapter provides secure connection to compatible IV lines and devices.
- Negative-displacement, split-septum design (Interlink system) supports effective flushing and reduces occlusion risk.
- Non-DEHP, non-PVC and latex-free construction suitable for sensitive patients.
- Supplied sterile and ready to use, simplifying IV line setup.
- Compatible with Interlink IV systems and standard luer-tipped syringes and accessories.
Indications
- Needle-free access to an existing intravenous line for intermittent injections or medication administration.
- Use as an injection site on IV administration sets, extension sets or catheter hubs.
- Situations where reducing needlestick injury risk and maintaining a closed IV system are required.
- General hospital, clinic, emergency and outpatient IV therapy settings.
Composition
- Housing and adapter: medical-grade plastic, non-DEHP and non-PVC.
- Septum: elastomeric material (such as silicone or similar medical-grade elastomer) forming a split-septum needle-free valve.
- Connector: male luer-lock fitting compatible with standard female luer devices.
- Packaging: individual sterile barrier pouch for each connector.
Packaging
- Individually packaged in sterile, peel-open pouches.
- Typical case configuration: 200 needle-free injection sites per case (may vary by distributor).
- Medisave clearance listing supplied as individual units from original cases (short expiry stock: October 2023).
- Labelling includes product name, brand (Interlink), manufacturer (Baxter), lot number and expiry date.
Usage
- Inspect the sterile pouch prior to use; do not use if packaging is opened, damaged or past the expiry date.
- Using aseptic technique, remove the injection site from its packaging.
- Connect the male luer-lock adapter securely to the compatible IV line or device according to local protocol.
- Disinfect the needle-free septum with an appropriate antiseptic swab and allow to dry before each access.
- Attach a standard luer-locked syringe or compatible IV device to the connector; inject or withdraw fluids as prescribed.
- After use, flush the connector and IV line as per institutional guidelines to maintain patency.
- Replace the connector according to local policy, or sooner if contamination, damage or malfunction is suspected.
- Dispose of the used device as clinical waste in accordance with local regulations; do not reuse or re-sterilise.
Contraindications
- Do not use if the sterile package is damaged, opened or if the product is expired.
- Not intended for arterial lines or applications outside standard IV therapy unless specifically indicated by the manufacturer and local protocols.
- Do not use with non-luer compatible devices.
- Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the device materials, although the product is latex-free and non-DEHP.
- Do not reuse or re-sterilise; single-use only.
Adverse Effects
- Potential increased risk of infection if aseptic technique is not strictly followed during use and access.
- Possible leakage or disconnection if the luer-lock is not properly secured.
- Risk of occlusion, thrombus formation or inadequate flow if device is not properly flushed or maintained.
- In rare cases, local irritation or hypersensitivity reactions to device materials.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a clean, dry environment at room temperature.
- Keep away from excessive heat, cold, moisture and direct sunlight.
- Maintain in original packaging until immediately prior to use to preserve sterility.
- Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Duration
Not applicable; used for the duration of IV therapy or according to local line-change policies, but designed as a single-use sterile device per patient/line episode.
Onset
Immediate mechanical function upon correct connection to the IV line, providing needle-free access.
