ACCESS DISCONNECT SYSTEM WITH OPTICAL AND OTHER SENSORS

摘要

An optical access disconnect system (10) is useful for detecting the presence of blood. The optical access disconnect system includes one or more optical sensors (14) placed near an access site of a patient, the optical sensors suitable for detecting the presence of blood, especially by detecting a difference in light reflected or absorbed by blood. The optical access disconnect system may also be used as an interlock to assure compliance. A detector may be placed adjacent the access site to detect the access needle, or an object or mark on the access needle or fluid line. A therapy machine, such as a dialysis machine, may be programmed not to start or continue operation unless the needle or fluid line is detected. The detector may be one of the optical sensors, calibrated or adjusted to detect a mark on the needle or access line, or may be another type of detector.