Evaluation of one-way valves used in medical devices for prevention of cross-contamination.

Background: One-way valves used in day use devices (used on multiple patients throughout a day without reprocessing between patients) are intended to reduce the potential for cross-contamination between patients resulting from the backflow of patient fluids. One-way valves are typically designed to withstand high levels of back pressure before failure; however, they may not be explicitly designed as a means of infection control as used in medical device applications.

Methods: Five different medical grade one-way valves were placed in low pressure configurations.