What is the role of sterile connectors in PD?

• A. They minimize contamination during connection and disconnection; require proper technique and hand hygiene to prevent infection
• B. They are optional
• C. They increase infection risk
• D. They are not used in PD

Answer: (A)

Sterile connectors are used to keep the PD exchange a closed, aseptic pathway during both connection and disconnection. By creating a sterile barrier and controlled interface, they greatly reduce the chance that bacteria from hands or the environment enter the dialysis circuit, which helps prevent peritonitis. They work best when paired with proper technique and strict hand hygiene—without that, even the best connectors can’t prevent infection. So they’re essential and not optional, and they don’t inherently raise infection risk; their purpose is to minimize it when used correctly.