NRFit Neuraxial Connectors—What Are They and Why Should You Adopt Them?

NRFit connectors are a type of small-bore connector specifically intended for neuraxial applications, including epidural and regional anesthesia delivery. They are based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 80369-6, Small Bore Connectors for Liquids and Gases in Healthcare Applications—Part 6: Connectors for Neuraxial Applications. They are physically incompatible with other small-bore connectors, like the Luer connectors used for clinical applications such as IV and enteral medication administration, and thus help prevent inadvertent misconnections.

NRFit connectors were developed because of numerous wrong-route errors in neuraxial applications (e.g., neuraxial administration of inappropriate medications, enteral feedings, or air) that have occurred around the world, some with catastrophic outcomes. The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a Sentinel Event Alert on misconnections in 2014 that announced ISO's development of connector standards for six healthcare applications, including neuraxial connections (Joint Commission 2014).

*Most ISO 80369-6-compliant devices will incorporate the color yellow and include an NRFit logo. ...