In vitro study of the efficacy of a two-way connection with disinfectant in the prevention of peritonitis.

A new connection system for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been established, and its efficacy in preventing microbial contamination of the peritoneal cavity has been tested in vitro. The system consists of a Y-shaped channel formed in the bottom of a Plexiglas cup. The Luer-lock shaped ends of the Y-shaped channel are designed to host the connectors from the drainage bag, the catheter transfer set, and the bag of fresh dialysate. Because the connectors from the catheter transfer set and the fresh bag are located at the inner surface of the cup bed, and because the cup is filled with disinfectant during the entire exchange procedure, all at-risk steps are continuously protected by disinfectant (that is, removal of the caps from the connectors, connection and disconnection, replacement of the caps). Still, because the patient could inadvertently extract and contaminate one of the two connectors (although such a possibility is unlikely), the disinfecting efficacy of the system was tested in vitro. Despite contamination with various micro-organisms at the highest possible concentrations, all tests showed negative bacterial growth, thus confirming the absolute efficacy of the system in preventing exogenous transluminal peritonitis.