SMTL Medical Disposable Datacard
Air inlet
| All Wales Contract | Intravenous sets and related items |
| Sterility Status | Sterile |
| Usage Status | Single use |
| Commonly used name | Air inlet |
Description
Also known as an IV air venting needle or an air inlet needle. Stainless steel needle possessing a 1-way valve and a plastic hub incorporating a hydrophobic filter. The needle is provided with a sheath.
Key areas where used
- Pharmacy
- ITU
- HDU
- Theatres
- Medical and Surgical wards
Method of use
Used to break the vacuum in rigid containers to allow fluid flow. The fluid container and giving set is prepared for use.The sheath of the air inlet needle is removed and the needle inserted into the injection port (ports can be latex or non-latex) of the rigid container (such as a glass bottle containing IV fluid). The vacuum within the container draws air through the filter and into the container to allow the container to drain into a primary solution set, for example. The filter prevents contamination of the contents of the container. The air inlet needle remains in situ for the duration of use of the fluid container.
Please note: usage of this product is generally in decline due to the reduced use of rigid containers for IV fluid administration and an effort to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. Simple fluid administration sets now have an air inlet valve incorporated into the spike/top chamber assembly. However, they are still used with unvented administration sets and blood giving sets. Increased use in Theatres has also been reported following the introduction of IV paracetamol in 50 and 100 ml glass bottles.
Presentation
Individually wrapped in a peel pouch
Sizes Required
Not applicable
Relevant Standards
The following standards are relevant to this product;
| Organisation | Standard No. | Title |
| BSI | BS EN ISO 1135-4 : 2012 | Transfusion equipment for medical use |
Example products
The following table lists examples of products known to be acceptable for this product description.
| Brand Name | Product Code | Manufacturer |
| Air inlet needle with valve | 646008 | Codan Ltd |
Editors
P Phillips and J Ford
Please inform SMTL of any inaccuracies noted or amendments required in this datacard.
Disclaimer
This datacard has been prepared as an aid to contracting for purchasers in the NHS in Wales, and should not be used as a substitute for literature, instructions or training from the manufacturers of the devices.
Products mentioned in this datacard are for illustration purposes only and should not be seen as an endorsement of these products.DisclaimerDisclaimer
