2005 Edition Report on Drug Administration Procedure & Practices ...

GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF THREE-WAY / FOUR-WAY STOPCOCKS1. Three-way and Four-way stopcocks are predominantly used for the administration ofinfusion solutions and intermittent injection of drugs.2. The tap of the Three-way stopcock can be turned 180°, and that of the Four-way stopcockcan be turned 360°. Simultaneous dual access to the connected line can only be achievedwith Four-way stopcock, as described below :All ports open fortwo simultaneousinfusions or for oneinfusion with“simultaneous”injectionOnly “side port” openfor infusion, injectionor CVP-measurementOnly “main port”for one infusionAccessMain Port onlySide Port onlySimultaneousClose3-way4-way3. It is intended that the colour-code of stopcocks should be uniformed to facilitate lineidentification, in such a way that the blue colour denotes venous line and the red colourdenotes arterial line or intra-cranial pressure line. Since simultaneous dual access may berequired for venous access only, Four-way stopcock would solely be available in theblue colour.4. Stopcocks should not be used on other connections other than those specified.5. If other versions of stopcocks are required through local purchases, the guideline oncolour-code should always be followed.HAHO DEC 97(revised in FEB 05)1