The MedSource Labs N.I.K. Needle Decompression Indicator Kit combines a 3.25" PTFE catheter decompression needle (available in 10G or 14G) with the Capnospot® — a colorimetric CO₂ indicator that turns from blue to yellow on successful pleural decompression, providing objective visual confirmation within seconds. Packaged in a 7" × 3" metalized pouch. ~0.9 oz total. Single-use. Buy American Act compliant. Key Specifications Specification Detail Manufacturer MedSource Labs Item # MS-87110 (10G) / MS-87114 (14G) Available Gauges 10 Gauge, 14 Gauge (select at checkout) Needle Length 3.25 inches Catheter Material Rigid PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) Needle Tip Triple-facet, back-cut, beveled — minimizes insertion trauma Case Hard shell — protects from needlestick, maintains sterility Opening Mechanism Twist-off cap for rapid one-hand access Capnospot® Indicator Blue → Yellow color change confirms CO₂ (successful decompression); male luer lock ISO 80369 Package Dimensions 7" × 3" metalized pouch (clear front) Total Weight ~0.9 oz (26 g) Sterilization EO (ethylene oxide) sterilization Use Single use only Latex / DEHP Not made with natural rubber latex; not made with DEHP Compliance Buy American Act (BAA) compliant Clinical Context: Needle Decompression in TCCC Needle chest decompression (NDC) is an advanced, provider-level skill. The procedure is indicated for tension pneumothorax — a life-threatening condition and the third leading cause of preventable battlefield death — and requires training, authorization, and appropriate clinical context. Tension pneumothorax may occur spontaneously in the setting of penetrating chest trauma, or may develop after chest seal application (especially with non-vented seals). Signs include severe or progressive respiratory distress, absent or decreased breath sounds on the injured side, SpO₂ < 90%, tachypnea, shock, or traumatic cardiac arrest without obviously fatal wounds. Per the 2024 TCCC Guidelines, the initial treatment for suspected tension pneumothorax is: (1) burp or remove any chest seal in place; (2) decompress the chest on the side of injury with a 14-gauge or 10-gauge needle/catheter unit inserted perpendicular to the chest wall, just over the top of the lower rib, at either the 2nd intercostal space midclavicular line (2nd ICS MCL) or the 4th/5th ICS anterior axillary line (4th/5th ICS AAL). Insert to the hub and hold 5-10 seconds to allow full decompression; then remove the needle and leave the catheter in place. The N.I.K. Advantage: Visual Decompression Confirmation The critical gap in standard NDC procedure is confirmation: once the needle is inserted, how does the provider know the catheter has reached the pleural space? Auscultation of a rush of air is unreliable in noisy tactical environments. SpO₂ improvement may take 30-60 seconds. Without objective confirmation, providers may withdraw a successfully placed catheter prematurely or fail to recognize a misplaced needle. The Capnospot® CO₂ indicator solves this problem. When attached to the decompression needle via the standard luer lock fitting, the Capnospot detects CO₂ from pleural gas. Because pleural gas in a pneumothorax contains CO₂ exhaled from the lung and trapped in the pleural space, successful penetration of the pleural space causes the colorimetric paper inside the Capnospot to change from blue to yellow within seconds — visible even in low-light environments. A failed decompression (catheter not in pleural space) shows no color change. This immediate, objective confirmation allows the provider to adjust catheter position or attempt a second decompression at the alternate site with confidence. The decompression needle itself combines a triple-facet, back-cut, beveled tip for reduced insertion trauma with a rigid PTFE catheter that resists kinking — the primary cause of post-decompression catheter failure. The hard-shell case prevents accidental needlestick during carry and maintains sterility; the twist-off cap enables rapid one-hand access under stress. For comprehensive chest trauma capability including a vented chest seal, see the SENTINEL Chest Trauma Kit. Browse MED-TAC's full chest & thoracic supplies collection. NDC Procedure Summary (Provider Level) ⚠ Needle decompression is a provider-level invasive procedure. This summary is for training reference only and does not substitute for formal TCCC/TECC training and medical authorization. Confirm tension pneumothorax: respiratory distress, absent breath sounds (affected side), SpO₂ < 90%, shock, or cardiac arrest with mechanism. Identify insertion site: 2nd ICS MCL (do not insert medial to nipple line) or 4th/5th ICS AAL. Attach Capnospot® to the N.I.K. needle via luer lock fitting. Insert needle perpendicular to chest wall just over top of lower rib; insert all the way to hub; hold 5-10 seconds. Confirm decompression: Capnospot® turns from blue to yellow if pleural space reached. Remove needle; leave catheter in place. Monitor for symptom resolution. Reassess continuously. See also: Chest & Thoracic Supplies | IFAK Kits All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
