BD Posiflow™ Positive Pressure Valve

Frequently Asked Questions

What flow rates can I expect?

The internal fluid path is approximately equivalent to an 18-20 gauge catheter. BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve will provide an average flow rate of 70 mL/hr utilizing a 36" head height, normal saline and gravity flow. This will allow infusion of approximately 4 liters of fluid per hour. Keep in mind though that there are other factors that will affect flow rates, i.e., the catheter gauge, length of the administration set, the presence of add-on devices, and the size and condition of the vein.

Flow rates of viscous fluids are affected by many factors including the length of the administration set, internal diameter of administration set (microbore vs. macrobore), catheter gauge, kinking of the catheter or add-on devices, and temperature of the fluids being administered. The flow path in BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve is equivalent to an 18-20 gauge catheter, which will accommodate the infusion of most solutions including blood products. If difficulty is encountered, assessment of all the above mentioned factors would be necessary to determine the source.

BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve has been tested for clinical efficacy @ 100 actuations. (View Study available as a PDF.) Depending on the clinical application, 100 actuations could be reached in 3 days or 7 days. It requires the customer to make the determination of how long a valve should remain attached to a catheter based on how frequently it will be accessed.

Over time, there may be some reflux of blood into the catheter. This is primarily due to the movement of the patient, frequency of flushing, etc. However, BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve, like other positive displacement devices, significantly decreases the degree of blood backup into the catheter tip.

No. In-house studies were conducted wherein the interstitial space was inoculated with staph epidermis. The body was sealed. The device was actuated 40 times over 72 hours (in one of the tests). After each flush the contents were cultured and tested. Contamination of the fluid path was not found, even when there were bacteria growing in the interstitial space. So the chances are very limited that infection would occur in that area. However, swabbing is still recommended.

We recommend against deviating from SASH or SAS flushing protocols.

BD recommends against this practice, however, since the BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve reseal is made out of silicone and is self sealing, needles can be used in emergency/code situations only. The valve should then be replaced.

Only on Y-site product codes 385305, 385306, 385324.
The valve is not permanently attached on product codes 385301 and 385303.

Yes.

To learn about BD Posiflow Positive Pressure Valve products view:

Catheter Maintenance
Extension Sets
Primary Sets, Port Converter & Vial Adapter
Standalone Valve