Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a tandem package and an apparatus and method for making the same. The tandem package includes a strip of film material having a plurality of medicament containing compartments. To prevent ripping or exposure of the medicament in an adjacent compartment upon opening of an individual segment of the package, each compartment is separated by a dividing member. In addition, to facilitate opening of the each segment while providing increased resistance to opening by children, each segment includes a pinhole in at least one corner of the segment perpendicular to a fold line. Thus to open the segment to expose the medicament, the corner may be folded along the fold line and torn at the pinhole, with the dividing member limiting tearing of the film.

Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a tandem package and an apparatus and method for making the same. The tandem package includes a strip of film material having a plurality of medicament containing compartments. To prevent ripping or exposure of the medicament in an adjacent compartment upon opening of an individual segment of the package, each compartment is separated by a dividing member. In addition, to facilitate opening of the each segment while providing increased resistance to opening by children, each segment includes a tear notch in at least one corner of the segment perpendicular to a fold line. Thus to open the segment to expose the medicament, the corner my be folded along the fold line and torn at tear notch, with the dividing member limiting tearing of the film.

Abstract: A composite body fluid sample container is provided which incorporates safety features for containing diseased samples of such fluids from touching and/or contaminating anyone handling the samples. The composite includes a glass sample container, either evacuated or not, depending upon use which has disposed thereon a "shrunk down" sleeve of a thermoplastic film. In the event that the glass is cracked or broken, the sleeve holds the sample from spilling or leaking onto the hands of a person handling the container, or otherwise spreading a diseased sample by spilling, leakage, or cutting by broken glass.

Abstract: A composite body fluid sample container is provided which incorporates at least one dry chemistry test strip into the structure with a shrink-wrap film whereby a plurality of chemically impregnated patches are exposed simultaneously in a self-contained device to provide instant response to a specimen introduced into the container. Moreover, the device separates the test strip from the remainder of the specimen so as to provide for additional testing if required. In addition, the device maintains the specimen, and the impregnated test strip isolated from exposure to contamination while at the same time keeping the specimen, if diseased, from contaminating handlers of the device. Finally, the device protects against breakage and any resulting leakage or contamination.

Abstract: A blood collector, for a microcollection container having an open end, a closed end and a container side wall therebetween, includes a cap for engaging the open end of a container and an elongate body extending through the cap defining a longitudinal axis and having a blood flow passageway therethrough. The body includes a distal front end portion adapted to receive blood from a wound and a proximal rear end portion terminating in a proximal edge for carrying blood to an interior surface of the container side wall. A vent is provided in said cap for air displacement therethrough. The rear end portion includes a generally longitudinally extending discontinuity interrupting the proximal edge for up to substantially about 120.degree. along the periphery of the body in a portion of the rear end portion being substantially adjacent to an interior surface of the container side wall when the cap engages a container. The discontinuity includes side walls extending from the blood flow passageway through the body.

Abstract: A blood microcollection container and associated collection assembly is provided for engaging a puncture wound and rapidly receiving blood from the wound. The assembly incorporates a scoop arrangement for engaging the blood source, and for directing in a rapid and efficient manner the blood to a collection chamber. A two-position cap is provided for sealing the scoop collector of the assembly prior to use, and for permanently locking to the collector after use to prevent exposure to the blood sample by the person handling the blood sample, or contamination of the blood sample from outside sources.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen angularly disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. This screen includes diverging grate members defining increasing open areas at increasing pouring angles of the spout. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: An automatic retractable lancet assembly includes a housing with a sharp-pointed lancet movably mounted therein. A slidable plunger is mounted in the housing in the end thereof opposite from the lancet for loading the assembly prior to use. An actuating mechanism releases the lancet for outward movement from the housing. After this outward movement is completed, the actuator elements become dissociated from further movement of the lancet. Subsequently, the lancet is automatically retracted back inside the housing by virtue of a spring element.

Abstract: A blood collection device for receiving whole blood adapted to be centrifuged into phases of lighter and heavier specific gravity includes a container with proximal and distal ends and a penetrable stopper at the proximal end. A separator assembly inside the container includes a receptacle with a thixotropic barrier material therein. An aperture in the receptacle faces toward the distal end of the container. The barrier material has a specific gravity intermediate the specific gravities of the lighter and heavier phases of blood and is adapted to flow under its own influence through the aperture during centrifugation. The barrier material then travels to a position intermediate the lighter and heavier phases of blood separated during centrifugation and adheres to the inside wall of the container to form a barrier.

Abstract: A single or multiple liquid sample needle assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a receiving chamber having translucent or transparent walls for determining whether access to the sample in question has been achieved. The invention utilizes a porous plug in the chamber which provides, simultaneously, a liquid barrier for the sample received, and gas displacement venting means for gas displaced by the liquid sample received. The assembly may be modified to receive only a single sample for subsequent discharge to a vacuum collection device, or multiple samples for sequential discharge to a plurality of vacuum collection devices. For multiple collection, the assembly incorporates a flexible sleeve and a separate gas discharge opening in combination with the sample discharge opening of the assembly.

Abstract: A holder is provided for use with intravenous needle assemblies and evacuated tubes of various diameters used in conjunction with such assemblies. The holder has a threaded end for attachment of the needle assembly, and a body consisting of a barrel for insertion of evacuated tubes having resilient stoppers. Deformable ribs are provided within the barrel which enable the holder to accommodate tubes of varying sizes. The ribs may be tapered inwardly in the direction of the threaded tip to hold, center and guide the evacuated tubes.

Abstract: A blood sample collection system including an indicator for denoting successful venipuncture prior to entry into an evacuated tube portion of the system. The system includes a double ended cannula open at both ends and having a passageway therethrough. A holder is provided for mounting the cannula thereon with one end extending forwardly and adapted for venipuncture and the other end extending rearwardly and being adapted for coupling with a sample collection container. The evacuated sample collection container has a closed end and an open end with the open end closed by a self-sealing puncturable stopper. The stopper is adapted to be penetrated by the rear end of the cannula to provide fluid communication between the passageway through the cannula and the interior of the sample collection container.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an assembly for the collection of blood from a mammalian blood vessel. The assembly comprises a flexible tube having needle cannulas mounted on each end. One of the needle cannulas is threadably secured to a holder member for holding a blood collection container. The assembly of the invention makes possible blood sampling regardless of the orientation of the mammal from whom the blood is being collected.

Abstract: Stopper for an evacuated tube with an open end for collecting fluid such as blood samples. The stopper includes a plug adapted to be mounted in the opening in the tube so as to normally seal the tube. The plug permits access of a fluid sample needle therethrough into fluid communication with the reduced pressure interior of the tube so that fluid is collected in the tube from the needle. A check valve is on the plug to automatically open when the needle is inserted through the plug and subjected to the reduced pressure in the tube and to automatically close when subjected to a predetermined amount of pressure from within the tube such as that caused by backflow thereby preventing any fluid passing into the needle from the tube. The check valve includes a chamber which can be used as a reagent holder prior to the tube use.

Abstract: A vented protective shield for a capillary pipette which may also serve as an overflow chamber for the pipette assembly. The assembly includes a pipette which is attached to a tubular holder. Both ends of the holder are adapted for frictionally engaging the vented shield. When attached to the end of the holder which includes the pipette, the shield serves as a protective device. When attached to the opposite end of the holder, it serves as an overflow chamber which prevents spillage of the sample as it is being diluted.

Abstract: A device for the collection of a liquid, such as urine, which provides efficient means for both collecting the liquid and transferring it to a tube for storage. A collection container is provided with a hollow cannula attached to its bottom. The cannula is slotted near its base, and serves as the conduit through which liquid may be transferred from the container to an evacuated tube. When the stopper of such a tube is punctured by the cannula, the pressure difference causes liquid deposited in the receptacle to be drawn through the slot, the hollow cannula, and into the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for the detection of contaminants in fluids. In the simplest embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vacuum tube having indicator means disposed therein for the detection of a fluid-borne contaminant and a self-sealing, cannula-penetrable closure. The apparatus is operated by piercing the closure with a cannula to draw the fluid for testing into the vacuum chamber.