The Apheresis lndustry Working Group has announced the development of a new, standardized connection system for the solutions used during apheresis procedures.
This new system, Correct Connect, is designed to reduce the potential for accidental misconnections by establishing a dedicated connection method for each apheresis solution. Correct Connect accomplishes this by introducing a new, inverted, threaded luer connector for use with anticoagulant (AC) solutions. The connectors used for platelet additive solution (PAS), red blood cell additive solution and saline remain the same.
“The Correct Connect system offers a unique connection type for each apheresis solution. This helps prevent accidental misconnection of solutions and simplifies apheresis procedures for involved professionals,” said Gilles Folléa from the European Blood Alliance (EBA). “ln pursuing an internationally standardized connection, the apheresis industry working group and the companies involved have worked to improve donor and patient safety, with customer and regulator feedback in mind,” Folléa went on to say.
The Correct Connect system also reduces the potential of misconnection with other, incompatible medical equipment including breathing systems and gases, enteral and gastric feeding tubes, catheter lines and others.
A Correct Connect system logo was also created for industry use on labels, packaging and other materials associated with disposable kits and apheresis solutions that offer the
Correct Connect system.
The Correct Connect system is supported by the industry and blood establishments. The ISO committee TC 210/WG 5 is currently working on the new standard for the AC connector, which has been assigned the number ISO 18250-8. The AC connector standard incorporates the proven sealing technology of other luer standards, but with revisions to
dimensions and geometry to reduce the potential of misconnections with incompatible medical equipment.
New disposable sets and solutions equipped with the Correct Connect system will begin to be introduced into the marketplace by some companies based on geographical region and regulatory approvals.
About the Apheresis lndustry Working Group
The Apheresis lndustry Working Group is open to all apheresis equipment, component and additive solutions manufacturers. Current participating members include Cerus, the European Blood Alliance (EBA), Fresenius-Kabi, Grifols, Haemonetics, Macopharma, Qosina, Scinomed, Technoflex, Terumo BCT and Therakos.
