Multiple-use intravenous catheter assembly septum and septum actuator

A method for manufacturing a multiple use blood control catheter assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a catheter adapter having a proximal opening, a distal end, and a fluid pathway extending therebetween, the distal end of the catheter adapter housing a catheter;
• slidably disposing a septum in the fluid pathway between a compressed state and an uncompressed state, the septum dividing the fluid pathway into a proximal fluid chamber and a distal fluid chamber, the septum further having a slit providing a pathway through the septum;
• and
• fixedly securing a base of a septum actuator within the distal fluid chamber, the septum actuator further comprising a probe extending outwardly from the base, a proximal end of the septum being partially inserted through the slit of the septum when the septum is in the uncompressed state, and the proximal end of the septum being fully inserted through the slit of the septum when the septum is in the compressed state.