Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems

A system for reducing the count of infectious agents in an intravenous access system, comprising:

• an intravenous access system comprising first and second portions;
• an optical element that is capable of transmitting light in or on said first portion of said intravenous access system, said optical element being placed so that transmitted light will be directed toward said second portion of said intravenous access system;
• a source of light optically coupled to said optical element, wherein said light source emits light, said emitted light being transmitted by said optical element toward said second portion of said intravenous access system, wherein said emitted light has a bactericidal effect;
• an adapter having a Luer fitting on one end for coupling to an inlet of said first portion of said intravenous access system and having a non-Luer fitting on another end;
• a housing having a non-Luer open end for coupling with said other end of said adapter;
• a printed circuit board movable within said housing between first and second positions;
• and
• a first contact terminal disposed inside said housing and connected to a source of electrical power,
• wherein said printed circuit board has a second contact terminal mounted on a rear surface thereof, said light source is mounted on a front surface of said printed circuit board, and an electronic circuit connected to said second contact terminal and to said light source;
• said an optical element is attached to said front surface of said printed circuit board and optically coupled to said light source;
• said first and second contact terminals are not in contact when said printed circuit board is at said first position and are in contact when said printed circuit board is at said second position;
• and
• said light source emits light comprising wavelengths in a range from 390 to 492 nm when said first and second contact terminals are in contact and said electronic circuit electrically connects said second contact terminal of said printed circuit board to said light source.