A method for loading a guidewire into a connector using a guidewire introducer includes inserting a guidewire introducer into a proximal end of a connector, the guidewire introducer having a proximal end, a distal end and a slit along the length of the guidewire introducer between the proximal end and the distal end. The guidewire introducer is advanced past a valve in the proximal end of the connector. A distal end of a guidewire is inserted into the proximal end of the guidewire introducer and advanced through the guidewire introducer and through the y-connector. The guidewire introducer is removed from the connector so that the distal end of the guidewire introducer is outside of the y-connector and proximate to the proximal end of the connector. The guidewire introducer is removed from the guidewire using the slit in the guidewire introducer.