Abstract: An arterial blood collection device is provided having a one-piece plunger rod for use with a blood collection syringe. The plunger rod is hollow, with a closed front end. A self-sealing filter is provided within the closed front end of the plunger rod. Vents are spaced radially about the front end of the plunger rod for fluid communication into the hollow interior thereof. The plunger rod is intended for use in slidable communication within a syringe barrel. In use, the plunger can be retracted within the syringe barrel to form a cavity therein. Upon arterial blood contact, the cavity fills with blood and air can be expelled from the cavity through the vents and the filter and out to ambient air. The plunger rod is a one-piece assembly, eliminating the need for a separate rubber plunger seal.

Abstract: An arterial blood collection device is provided having a one-piece plunger rod for use with a blood collection syringe. The plunger rod is hollow, with a closed front end. A self-sealing filter is provided within the closed front end of the plunger rod. Vents are spaced radially about the front end of the plunger rod for fluid communication into the hollow interior thereof. The plunger rod is intended for use in slidable communication within a syringe barrel. In use, the plunger can be retracted within the syringe barrel to form a cavity therein. Upon arterial blood contact, the cavity fills with blood and air can be expelled from the cavity through the vents and the filter and out to ambient air. The plunger rod is a one-piece assembly, eliminating the need for a separate rubber plunger seal.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate surface, such as an interior portion of a syringe is provided. An aqueous anticoagulant solution is atomized onto the substrate surface and dried by the forced flow of warm air. Water is removed during the drying leaving a coating of anticoagulant. A concentrated aqueous anticoagulant solution is used to reduce the time required for drying. A syringe having an interior portion coated with anticoagulant is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a syringe tip cap comprising a bottom portion, a top portion, an annular skirt extending therebetween and a plug that projects proximally from the bottom portion so as to be telescoped into the passage of a syringe tip. The plug provides means to allow air to be vented from the syringe with contacting the user. The syringe tip cap of the present invention also provides the user with an indication by tactile and visual feedback that the syringe has been vented.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety shield assembly having a shield and a collar for connecting the shield to a fluid handling device whereby the shield may be pivoted with respect to the collar. The safety shield assembly of the present invention also includes a thumb ramp for orienting a user's hand with the safety shield assembly. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be used with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set, a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a syringe tip cap comprising a bottom portion, a top portion, an annular skirt extending therebetween and a plug that projects proximally from the bottom portion so as to be telescoped into the passage of a syringe tip. The plug provides means to allow air to be vented from the syringe with contacting the user. The syringe tip cap of the present invention also provides the user with an indication by tactile and visual feedback that the syringe has been vented.