Baxter antimicrobial IV technology ‘kills six common pathogens’

Baxter Healthcare has announced its antimicrobial intravenous (IV) technology has been shown to kill six common pathogens.

The company said it has received regulatory clearance for the expanded labelling of its antimicrobial needleless IV connector, the V-link Luer-activated device with VitalShield protective coating.

Baxter said the V-Link with VitalShield has been shown to kill at least 99.99 per cent of six pathogens known to cause catheter-related infections of the bloodstream.

The US Food and Drug Administration recently cleared expanded labelling for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (coagulase negative).

V-Link with VitalShield had already been proven to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae.

Francois Lebel, vice-president of clinical and medical Affairs for the medication delivery business at Baxter, said: “This additional microbial coverage and long-lasting effect give healthcare professionals added confidence that they are taking extra precaution to address patient safety.”

He added the expanded indications further validate the effectiveness and broad spectrum of coverage offered by the needleless IV device.

Last month, Baxter International was named as the 2008 medical products industry leader by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.