Closure for tubular access port

Abstract

A closure for a tubular access port in a medical fluid flow line or other container comprises a removable cap for enclosing and sealing the tubular access port. The cap has a closed end wall. The end wall carries an extending poker to facilitate the pushing of an antiseptic-carrying material into a lumen of the access port. The poker has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the access port. A method of using the poker is also described.

1 . A method of disinfecting an access port of a medical fluid flow line or other container, said access port having an open mouth, which comprises:
 placing an antiseptic-containing material at or in said open mouth;   inserting a poker into the open mouth, to force at least a portion of the material into the open mouth; and thereafter removing the material and poker from the open mouth.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which the poker is carried on a cap which is proportioned to close said access port. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 12  in which said cap is used to close the access port, prior to inserting said poker into the open mouth. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  in which the cap carries an attached, outwardly extending projection proportioned to releasably grip a component of a fluid flow set that includes said access port. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the tubular access port includes a lumen, and the lumen defines a female luer shape. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  in which the cap carries an attached, outwardly extending C-shaped projection proportioned to releasably grip medical tubing of a fluid flow set that includes said access port. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  in which the poker is carried on said cap, and the cap is used to close the access port. 
     
     
         8 . A method of disinfecting an access port of a medical fluid flow line or other container, said access port having an open mouth, which comprises:
 placing an antiseptic-containing material at or in said open mouth;   inserting a poker into the open mouth,   via the poker, forcing at least a portion of the material into the open mouth; and   thereafter removing the material and poker from the open mouth.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  including the steps of:
 providing a cap;   proportioning the cap to close said access port; and   providing the poker on the cap.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further including the step of, prior to inserting said poker into the open mouth, closing the access port with said cap. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further including the step of providing the cap with an attached, outwardly extending projection proportioned to releasably grip a component of a fluid flow set that includes said access port. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  further including the steps of:
 providing the tubular access port with a lumen; and   the lumen defining a female luer shape.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8  further including the step of providing the cap with an attached, outwardly extending C-shaped projection proportioned to releasably grip medical tubing of a fluid flow set that includes said access port. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further including the step of carrying the poker on said cap, the cap being able to close the access port. The method of  claim 1  wherein the tubular access port includes a lumen, and the lumen defines a female luer shape.