What is a three-way stopcock?

A three-way stopcock is a commonly used disposable medical components widely applied in areas such as simultaneous multi-drug infusion, invasive blood pressure monitoring and intensive care. A three-way stopcock is typically consists of three ports and a rotating handle. Its primary function is to control the fluid flow path, allowing one direction flow, flow between all ports, or complete shut-off of fluid flow.

Components of a three-way stopcock

Rotating handle: The rotating handle is a key component for controlling the flow of fluid. Rotating the handle switches the on/off state of each port. It’s typically made of PE and in bright colors, such as blue or red.

Housing with three ports: The housing is usually made of PC. It has three ports, two ports with female luer lock and one port with male luer lock. These ports are commonly used to connect IV lines, syringes and extension tubing.

Protective cap: Three ports are usually equipped with protective caps to prevent contamination.

Applications of three-way stopcock

IV therapy

Three-way stopcock supports rapid injection, multi-drug and continuous infusion, meeting the needs of most regular iv infusion therapies.

By rotating the handle, medical users can control the injection time of different drugs to preventing the mixing of incompatible drugs and ensure the infusion safety.

Blood sampling

Quickly draw the blood sample through the side port of three-way stopcock, reducing the injury to patients caused by repeated punctures.

Intensive care

During surgery and emergency, medical users can prepare the medication in advance by connecting syringe with the port of three-way stopcock to achieve the temporary rapid administration.

Advantages of the three-way stopcock

Quick to switch

Medical users can switch the different infusion pathways simply by rotating the handle-without disconnecting any tubes.

Support multi-drug infusion

Three-way stopcock achieves independent, parallel control of multiple drug streams through multi-port physical isolation and valve core rotation switching and thereby ensure the safety infusion.

Reduce blood vessel injury

Medications and blood draws are performed via the side port of the three-way stopcock, reducing the injury caused by repeated punctures to the patient.