Stopcock Overview

Professionals sourcing medical disposable stopcocks know that it is a critical device that needs to be sourced from the experts.

Elcam Medical, the world leader in OEM stopcocks, offers you the widest range of Stopcocks and Manifolds for all fluid control related applications.

Elcam Stopcocks™ is our sub brand enhancing the solid track record of our leadership in this field and our 40 years of experience and expertise in developing and manufacturing medical disposable stopcocks, resulting the benefits professionals value so much: Broadest portfolio, innovation, seamless integration, customer experience

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3 Way Stopcocks

Elcam Medical is a world leader of OEM stopcocks. We offer our customers the widest variety of Stopcocks that fit all the fluid control related applications.

3 way stopcocks or taps is the customary terminology used for describing a stopcock with 3 ports.

These are the most commonly used stopcocks in a variety of medical applications. 3-way stopcocks can be further divided according to the handle rotation – 90°, 180° or 360° and number of handle positions available (2-4).

While most will refer to "3Way Stopcock" as a generic name for all stopcocks with three ports, the official terminology is referring to the number of flow directions as shown in the adjacent diagrams:

Elcam's broad range of stopcocks are designed to meet the requirements of I.V therapy including high flow systems, anaesthesia, hemodynamic pressure monitoring, angioplasty and other medical applications.

Elcam's Standard Stopcocks can be supplied in 1,2,3 and 4 way configurations, with different handle colors and styles to match a variety of applications.

Our stopcocks are available in different materials including high resistance Polycarbonate grades, Polysulfone and Tritan compatible with lipid based admixtures according to customers’ requests. The Stopcocks are suitable for Gamma irradiation and ETO.

Innovation - commitment to safety

As a worldwide leader in OEM stopcocks, Elcam continuously strives to create better solutions to real flow control safety problems by combining clinical and engineering knowledge acquired over the years. The Elcam Stopcock road map is a tool we use to assure continuous improvement of our stopcocks – from lipid resistance and free of any hazardous materials through solutions for secured connections and up to infection control. Our innovative Marvelous™ (MRVLS) stopcock developed to enhance patient and care giver safety is an excellent example, emphasizing the competitive advantage and differentiation you gain when selecting Elcam Stopcocks™.

Seamless Integration

Sometimes the burden of integrating a new medical component into your product seems like it isn't worth the effort. In the case of Elcam Stopcocks™, we can take much, if not all of this burden, from you:

    • Repeated quality minimizes the risks of flaws and complaints
    • Customization of our stopcocks according to your exact needs.
    • Tailoring the Validation & Verification plan according to your requirements and taking the burden of V&V plan execution upon our shoulders
    • Providing you with the documentation needed for your regulatory requirements
    • Fully developed project management and service, cushioning the bumps many integration projects usually face.

     

Exceptional continuous customer experience

According to the Elcam philosophy, our role does not end when the integration of our Stopcocks is completed. We will continue to help you and support you along the lifetime of our partnership, whether it is the logistic support needed, or our clinical assistance you may need, we will be there at your service.

FAQs

Why is stopcock selection critical in medical fluid control systems?
Stopcocks are central control points in fluid management systems. Selecting the correct stopcock affects flow accuracy, pressure resistance, system integrity, and overall procedural safety, especially in high-demand clinical environments.
How do stopcocks differ based on flow and pressure requirements?
Stopcocks are designed with different internal geometries and materials to support varying flow rates and pressure levels. High-flow and high-pressure stopcocks are typically used in demanding applications such as angiography and hemodynamic monitoring, while standard models support routine IV therapy.
What determines whether a stopcock is suitable for high-pressure applications?
Suitability for high-pressure use depends on pressure rating, material strength, internal sealing design, and validation testing. High-pressure stopcocks are engineered to withstand the forces generated during contrast injection and interventional procedures.
How does handle design impact stopcock usability?
Handle rotation angle, number of positions, and tactile feedback influence how intuitively clinicians can control fluid direction. Ergonomic handle design supports faster decision-making and reduces the risk of incorrect flow routing during procedures.
What materials are commonly used in medical stopcocks and why?
Medical stopcocks are manufactured from materials such as polycarbonate, polysulfone, and Tritan. Material selection affects chemical resistance, compatibility with lipid-based solutions, sterilization methods, and long-term performance.
Are stopcocks compatible with different sterilization methods?
Many medical stopcocks are designed to be compatible with common sterilization processes such as Gamma irradiation and ethylene oxide (ETO). Compatibility depends on material selection and intended clinical use.
How do closed or swabbable stopcocks support safety protocols?
Closed or swabbable stopcocks are designed to reduce exposure of internal fluid pathways during access. When used correctly, they support safer handling and align with infection control practices by minimizing open access points.
What role do manifolds play alongside stopcocks?
Manifolds extend stopcock functionality by allowing multiple fluid or pressure lines to be managed simultaneously. They help simplify complex setups, reduce connection points, and improve workflow efficiency in interventional and monitoring procedures.
How do custom-designed stopcocks support OEM integration?
Custom-designed stopcocks allow OEMs to match specific performance, connection, and regulatory requirements. Customization can include port configuration, tubing integration, materials, and validation support to ensure seamless system integration.
Why is consistency important in large-scale stopcock sourcing?
Consistency in manufacturing and quality reduces variability, lowers the risk of device-related issues, and simplifies validation and regulatory processes. Reliable sourcing is especially important for OEMs producing high-volume medical systems.
How does Elcam support the integration of stopcocks into medical systems?
Elcam supports integration through customization, validation and verification assistance, regulatory documentation, and structured project management. This approach helps reduce development burden and accelerates time to market.
What quality standards apply to Elcam Stopcocks™?
Elcam Stopcocks™ are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified quality management systems and comply with international medical device regulations, ensuring performance consistency, safety, and regulatory readiness.
Where can professionals access technical documentation or request support?
Technical documentation, product specifications, and support for Elcam Stopcocks™ are available through the Elcam Medical website or by contacting the Elcam team directly.

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