ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A new device for sterile docking, the Compodock (Fresenius NPBI Transfusion Technology), was developed for connecting PVC tubing for medical use while maintaining sterility. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sterility of the connections was assessed by welding tubing with a heavy exterior contamination with Bacillus subtilis spores and also by welding in an environment contaminated with aerosols of B. subtilis. Tubing was either dry or liquid-filled ("wet") and had various diameters. Bacterial culture medium was flushed through the welded area and subsequently cultured. Tensile strength was measured, and, under semi-routine conditions, Compodock was tested for user friendliness and speed. RESULTS: None of the cultures of welded tubing with exterior contamination showed growth, neither the dry-dry (n = 434) nor the wet-wet connections (n = 622). Cultures were also negative for welds made in the contaminated environment (dry-dry, 67; wet-wet, 55). Tensile strength complied fully with ISO 3826 standards (that is, a force of 20 newtons [N] for 15 sec), with a mean maximal strength ranging from 73 to 100 N, depending on diameter and content of the tubing. The semi-routine handling was regarded as good: welds were easily opened; there were clear instructions and error warnings; and the processing time averaged 52 seconds. CONCLUSION: The Compodock is able to maintain a functionally closed system, with maintenance of sterility, despite heavy exterior bacterial contamination; tensile strength conformed to ISO standards. Compodock is suitable for routine implementation in the blood bank.
