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About Luer Taper Fitting
As Connectors In The Medical Industry
Luer fittings, connectors, and locks
can easily connect many medical devices, components, and
accessories. Its purpose is to “connect two medical devices in a
liquid-leak proof and mechanically secure manner.”
Applications for these male and
female tapered, interlocking fittings include, but are not limited
to, syringes, needles, stopcocks, IV sets, and diagnostic and
therapeutic catheters. The rigid connectors are available in a
vast range of metals and thermoplastics, the selection of which is
determined by the end use. When metal fittings are too heavy or
over engineered for a specific application, thermoplastic
materials are typically chosen.
Unfortunately, because the
connectors are so easy to use, clinicians may mistakenly connect
the wrong devices, delivering a substance through the wrong route.
These errors can cause serious injuries and death.
USFDA has developed a 2009 Medical
Device Safety Calendar as a means to educate healthcare
professionals about these dangerous events. The calendar provides
a graphic depiction of a variety of misconnection cases, coupled
with recommendations on ways to prevent these types of errors.
More information is available on FDA Luer Misconnections website.
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