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 needle assembly for use in preventing backflow of blood being collected from a patient comprises a housing with a chamber therein, and including first and second access openings through the housing in fluid communication with the chamber. A cannula extends outwardly from the first access opening and is adapted for insertion into a patient. The chamber has a volume sufficiently large to store blood therein collected from the patient and to delay blood from backflowing from the second access opening into the first access opening under normal patient blood flow conditions due to the large amount of blood which must first be displaced from the chamber.In another embodiment of the present invention, the chamber includes flow resistance elements positioned in the chamber to provide flow resistance in the flow of blood from the chamber toward the first access opening. These objects may include tapered cones to favor flow of blood in one direction but not the other direction.

Abstract: An adapter for use in accommodating a syringe with a reduced diameter open ended tip for use with a blood collecting needle so as to facilitate coupling of the syringe and needle and collecting of a sample of blood through the needle into the syringe. The adapter includes an elastomeric, pierceable, self-sealing member having a head portion and a body portion extending from one side of the head portion. A recess is located in the body portion conforming with the shape of the reduced tip of a syringe and is adapted to be mounted on the tip and close the open end thereof. A guide is on the head portion to assist in guiding the needle into alignment with the open end of the tip so that when the needle pierces the head portion it will extend through the open end of the tip into communication with the interior of the syringe to permit collection of a blood sample therein. The self-sealing head portion is adapted to reseal and close the open end of the reduced tip after the needle is removed therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an adapter for transferring liquid specimens from a collection vessel to an analysis instrument, through connection with the aspiration nozzle of the instrument.