Abstract: The present invention is a collection container assembly comprising a container having a wall space between the inner and outer wall of said tube whereby the external dimensions of the container are substantially the same as a standard-sized blood collection tube but with a reduced internal volume.

Abstract: The present invention is a stopper and shield closure assembly 16 millimeter (mm) fluid collection tube whereby the 16 millimeter tube is compatible with conventional needle holders.

Abstract: A substrate removably attached to a container that can be linked electronically to the operating stations in a laboratory and/or removed and subsequently attached to a document or another container. More particularly, the substrate is a partitioned label with human readable information and electronically readable information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the establishment of position of readable information applied to a specimen collection container. Preferably, the readable information is provided by way of a scannable bar code label applied to the container. The label may be adhesively applied to the container, and includes a non-adhesive portion which results in that portion of the label protruding from the container. The container is then supported within a container holder. The holder itself has a projection which becomes engaged with the protruding portion of the label. The container holder is agitated to effect movement of the container to place the protruding portion of the label into engagement with the projection, and thereby prevent further movement of the container and establish the position of the readable information contained on the label.

Abstract: The present invention is a collection assembly comprising a container, a cap assembly removably and sealably secured to the container whereby access to the interior of the container can be made with a piercing element without removing the cap assembly from the container. The cap assembly includes a cap body and a membrane like septum supported by the cap body. The septum provides for a pierceable element to have access to the interior of the container. The membrane is a thermoplastic elastomer and is self-sealing upon removal of the piercing element.

Abstract: The present invention is a passively shieldable blood collection set. The blood collection set includes a needle cannula, a hub mounted to the needle cannula and a tip guard slidably movable along the needle cannula. The tip guard can be slid into a distal position where the tip of the needle cannula is safely shielded. A collapsible guard drive is mounted to the hub and includes a pair of collapsible leaves extending from the hub to the tip guard. The leaves have a length that enable the tip guard to move into shielding engagement around the tip of the needle cannula, while preventing complete removal of the tip guard from the needle cannula. The leaves are resiliently deformable and can be collapsed onto themselves and onto the hub. The leaves can be retained in their collapsed condition by a packaging cover and subsequently by the grip of a medical practitioner.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a collection tube, a flowable liquid separation medium and a deformable container. A separation medium is contained within the deformable container and the deformable container is positioned within the collection tube and is deformably reconfigurable under centrifugation from a first condition permitting liquid collection within the tube to a second condition establishing physical separation between the separated liquid phases.

Abstract: The present invention is an additive preparation which contains an additive, an organic acid, a metal carbonate compound, and a surfactant agent which is capable of rendering the surface of a collection device to have properties that cause the surface to repel the adsorption of components of a body fluid sample. The preparation effervesces when in contact with a body fluid sample, thereby efficiently dispersing the additive and surfactant in a body fluid sample.

Abstract: The needle assembly of the present invention includes a transparent or translucent housing having a fluid inlet end defined by a cylindrical exterior wall. The wall delineates an annular flashback chamber within the housing for retention of a fluid sample therein. The wall further includes a transparent or translucent construction or assimilation of a sealed window or port therein to allow immediate visualization of a fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating components of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container, a liner in the container, a closure for the container and a composite element. The composite element is a seal plug with a density between the densities of the components of the fluid sample is releasably engaged with the container closure and with the liner. A needle cannula is used to deposit a fluid sample in the liner and the entire device is placed in a centrifuge. The centrifugal load causes the seal plug to separate from the closure and causes the liner to expand outwardly against the container. The seal plug migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the densities of the components of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the seal plug and separates the components of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device with a pivotable faucet is disclosed. The device is designed to collect, hold and transfer a biological specimen into a non-evacuated tube through an integrated pivotable faucet component. This device uses no needles, either blunt or sharp, and provides safety from needle puncture. The device works with a non-evacuated tube and a specially designed cap that attaches to the container via the pivotable faucet. The device includes a container for collecting, holding and transferring the biological fluid. The design of the container facilitates use of the tube as a handle in order to position the container to receive collection of the biological fluids. The method of collection begins with using the non-evacuated tube as a handle to hold the container and collecting the biological specimen in the container. A lid is attached to the top of the container to prevent contamination and exposure to the specimen during transfer into the non-evacuated tube.

Abstract: An additive formulation comprising heparinase and trehalose, a method for using the formulation and a device containing the formulation. The additive formulation is useful in substantially neutralizing residual heparin from a blood sample when used in a blood collection tube without interfering with the clinical analysis of the blood sample.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents. The constituents include a container, a liner in the container and a composite element in the liner for separating the fractions of a fluid sample. The separator comprises a specific density at a target density range as defined by separable fluid components densities. A fluid sample is delivered to the liner and then the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the liner to deform and the composite element migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the composite element and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

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.