# SnapCap: a device to decontaminate central venous catheters (CVC) with 5 snaps

> **NIH NIH R42** · CONTECH MEDICAL, INC. · 2021 · $1,036,191

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
We propose a new approach to the decontamination of central venous catheters and the prevention of central
line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), an important healthcare-associated infection. CLABSIs
cost the US healthcare system approximately $2.3 billion annually (Pronovost, NEJM, 2009). Additionally,
CLABSIs can be life threatening, especially in the very young and critically ill. Even when treated appropriately,
they can result in endocarditis, meningitis, bone and joint infections. Current guidelines to CLABSI prevention
include a key recommendation to decontaminate the central venous catheter (CVC) by scrubbing for 15
seconds using a 70% isopropyl alcohol pad prior to each use (e.g. administration of an intravenous medication).
In busy workflows (e.g. the intensive care unit), compliance with these recommendations is inconsistent.
SnapCap is a disposable device that houses a compressible alcohol-soaked foam between non-circumferential
female luer threads inside of a plastic housing. To decontaminate a NC, a provider engages the SnapCap
threads onto the NC and turns it 5 times, each time sensing an audible and tangible click, as well as the
squeegee sound of the NC against the cleansing alcohol-soaked sponge. This decontamination process
changes the focus from the clock to the patient, is fast (~3 seconds), is easy to perform and consistently applies
a greater force to the face of the NC than manual scrubbing. In our Phase I work, we demonstrated that SnapCap
use produces an equivalent reduction in bacterial load as a 15 second manual scrub. We also demonstrated
that SnapCap improves compliance with cleaning standards from 8% (≥15 second scrub with alcohol swab) to
87% (≥5 SnapCap snaps) in a simulated environment. We propose the following aims to transition to
commercialization.
Aim 1. To establish manufacturability of SnapCap in the setting of a low volume R&D production line.
Aim 2. To complete good laboratory practice (GLP) efficacy testing and seal and peel testing of final-design
SnapCap product, and to obtain FDA approval via 510K regulatory pathway.
Aim 3. To assess the usability of SnapCap in active clinical environments, quantifying frequency of adoption,
its impact on compliance with cleaning measures, and obtaining end-user design feedback.
If successful, this work would result in near-term commercialization of SnapCap and would create a
complementary, efficient, effective device to improve compliance with cleaning recommendations. Due to the
importance of CVC decontamination in CLABSI prevention, this device may decrease the incidence of CLABSI
and reduce healthcare costs. Following a successful Phase II effort, we present key collaborations and funding
to establish full-scale manufacturing, marketing, distribution and clinical adoption.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10383994
- **Project number:** 2R42HD097831-02
- **Recipient organization:** CONTECH MEDICAL, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** John Nagi Kheir
- **Activity code:** R42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,036,191
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-09-21 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10383994

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10383994, SnapCap: a device to decontaminate central venous catheters (CVC) with 5 snaps (2R42HD097831-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10383994. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*