# Disinfecting caps for needleless connectors (Curos)

Source: https://onco.cc/technologies/needleless-connector-disinfecting-caps/  
OnCo record `needleless-connector-disinfecting-caps` (Technology). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

A small cap soaked in alcohol that screws onto the end of a central line between uses, meant to keep the connector clean and lower the chance of a line infection.

## Summary

NICE HealthTech guidance HTG510 (formerly MTG44, 9 May 2019) found that the Curos disinfecting cap "shows promise for preventing infections when using needleless connectors, but there is currently insufficient evidence to support the case for routine adoption in the NHS". NICE asked for research on whether Curos adds value to the standard care bundle, especially for people at high risk of infection and people managed in the community. The cap can stay on for up to 7 days but must be replaced each time the line is used.

## Fields

- Kind: Technology
- Status: emerging
- Last checked: 2026-11-04
- Also known as: Curos; Disinfecting cap; Alcohol cap; Needleless connector cap
- Tags: devices-gaps-2026-11
- Principle: A cap containing isopropyl alcohol is screwed onto the needleless connector at the end of the line, bathing the connector surface while it is not in use.
- Since: 2019
- Strengths: Simple to use between line accesses; Protects the connector surface while capped
- Limitations: NICE found insufficient evidence for routine adoption; Adds a consumable at every access

## Sources

- NICE HTG510: Curos for preventing infections when using needleless connectors: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/htg510

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