Stopcocks have a mixed reputation among medical staff who use them. On the one hand, the device simplifies infusion, blood sampling and drug administration routines and is included in many standard procedures. On the other hand, research has validated the concern of increased risk of intraluminal contamination when using stopcocks.

Majority of CLABSIs are related to the use of central venous catheters and are in fact one of the most important complication in critical care.

The burden of infection control is even greater in critically ill patients, as they are naturally weakened by their state of health.

Just the thought triggers a sense of unease for any anesthetist, CRNA and medical practitioner responsible for any aspect of drug administration in a hospital environment.