Abstract: Flow cytometric droplet dispensing systems and methods for using the same to flow cytometrically dispense droplets into partitions are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the systems include sorting flow cytometers configured to sort both particle-occupied and particle-unoccupied droplets into a partition. Also provided are methods of using the systems. Systems and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.

Abstract: An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

Abstract: A cap is configured to provide antimicrobial protection to a female luer port of an intravenous device. The cap distributes an antimicrobial solution within the intraluminal surfaces of the port when the cap is connected to the port. A cap may also be designed to distribute an antimicrobial solution around the exterior surfaces of the port. Once connected to a port, the cap can form a seal that minimizes the evaporation of the antimicrobial solution from within the lumen of a port. The cap can therefore provide antimicrobial protection against another device that is connected to the port once the cap is removed.

Abstract: A medical device for infusing medical substances has activation buttons accessible on an exterior of a device housing. The activation buttons and corresponding electrical switches within the housing are configured to prevent inadvertent activation of the buttons and therefore inadvertent operation of the switches to initiate a process such as medical substance delivery to a user. The device employs overlap of respective time traces initiated by activation of the activation buttons to determine whether the activation is intended and valid. The respective time traces do not have to be initiated simultaneously or in any particular sequence. The activation buttons can be elastomeric overmolded buttons set within cutouts in the housing, and, when depressed, make physical contact with respective switches.

Abstract: A catheter for use in medical applications is disclosed. The catheter comprises tubing with a tip hole at one end and an end portion at the other end. Fluid exits the catheter at the tip hole thereof. One or more alternative fluid pathway(s) are provided on the sidewall of the catheter to permit outflow of fluid medication from the catheter to ensure proper delivery of the medication to the intended target area, particularly when the tip opening is occluded or restricted for any reason.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided to implement key generation for secure pairing between first and second devices using embedded out-of-band (OOB) key generation and without requiring the devices to have input/output (IO) capability to enter authentication information. Bluetooth Smart or Low Energy (BLE) OOB pairing option can be used for pairing medical devices with added security of OOB key generation. The OOB key generation comprises providing first and second devices with the same predefined credential and secure hashing algorithm, and making input of the hashing algorithm of the first and second devices the same. The first device transmits unique data to second device (e.g., via BLE advertising) to share and compute a similar input. The first and second devices use the credential and shared data with the hashing function to generate a key that is the same at each of first and second devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for entirely removing a medical sharp from a holder to which it is connected, including a body (102), a heating unit (104) disposed in the body, a receiving unit (114) fixedly disposed in the body and configured to receive the holder, and a collet (122) movably disposed within the body and configured to receive the medical sharp. The apparatus also includes a first biasing member (130) disposed within the body, and a user interface (136) coupled to the collet and configured to displace the collet away from the receiving unit, actuate the first biasing member to increase a bias on the collet toward the receiving unit, and actuate the heating unit.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may have a liquid source containing a liquid, tubing, and an anti-run-dry membrane positioned such that the liquid, flowing form the liquid source to the tubing, passes through the anti-run-dry membrane. The anti-run-dry membrane may be positioned within an exterior wall of a drip unit, and may be secured to a seat of the exterior wall by an attachment component. The attachment component may have various forms, such as a secondary exterior wall that cooperates with the exterior wall to define a drip chamber, a washer positioned such that the anti-run-dry membrane is between the washer and the seat, and an adhesive ring formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive and secured to the anti-run-dry membrane and the seat via compression. Interference features may protrude inward from the exterior wall or outward from the anti-run-dry membrane to help keep the anti-run-dry membrane in place.

Abstract: An IV device assembly may include a lumen forming a fluidic channel within the IV device assembly. The lumen may be fluidically coupled to a vascular access device (VAD) coupler via a funnel coupler, and an IV device assembly coupler at a proximal end of the lumen. The IV device assembly may also include one or more of the following: a collapsible sleeve formed coaxially around a first portion of the lumen and mechanically coupled to the funnel coupler, a patency instrument formed along a second portion of the lumen within the collapsible sleeve and into the VAD coupler, a translation handle that translates the patency instrument out of a distal end of the VAD coupler, and a fixed grip formed around the lumen to maintain a position of the IV device assembly relative to the translation handle.

Abstract: A medical device (100) includes an insulin pen (102), a pen needle (104) and a force sensor (106). The device also includes a microprocessor (206) to receive a signal from the force sensor (106). Audible and/or visual indicators (218, 220) provide feedback to a user to encourage proper injection technique. The device may also include an adaptor assembly comprising a sensor housing (306) and a first sensor (304) within the sensor housing, and a transfer needle assembly (308), the transfer needle assembly providing a connection (310) for a pen needle, and providing a fluid conduit between the pen needle (312) and the insulin pen (302). A second force sensor (314) is associated with a thumb button of the insulin pen (302).

Abstract: Provided is a flexible and conformal wearable, self-contained medical device. The medical device comprises an integral housing formed by a flexible upper portion and a flexible lower portion joined along their perimeters. The medical device is also provided in a plurality of shapes and configurations for increasing the flexibility and conformability of the housing. The components contained within the housing, such as a drug reservoir, printed circuit board, and power supply are preferably constructed from flexible materials and are formed, connected and positioned according to the configuration of the housing in a manner for enhancing flexibility of the housing. A thermal bubble micropump is provided for controlling flow of a drug from the flexible reservoir, that utilizes a thermal resistor provided locally to a thermal expansion fluid that causes a surrounding membrane to expand and displace a volume of drug to be provided to the user.

Abstract: Device(s) with camera and medical event image capture app and method(s) are provided to capture images of medical condition management events involving products with indicia, perform image processing and analysis of captured images to discern product characteristics, artifacts and/or related informatics from indicia and other image elements in the captured image, and perform human machine interaction (HMI) operations or other logical operations that alert a user regarding a selected informatic or request input or otherwise educate the user about an aspect of medical condition management. The medical event image capture app provides any one or more of confirmation of correct or compatible product(s), dose confirmation, and detection of defective product or medication or misuse.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, an introducer needle extending through the catheter, a flash chamber in fluid communication with a needle lumen of the introducer needle, and a seal element. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. The seal element may be proximal to the first notch and the second notch and within the catheter between an outer surface of the introducer needle and an inner surface of the catheter. The seal element may prevent priming fluid from travelling distal to the seal element. The seal element in conjunction with the first notch, the second notch, and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for detection of flashback and transfixing when priming occurs prior to insertion into vasculature.

Abstract: A cover for magnetizing a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device is disclosed including a sleeve member having a hollow body to form a protective closure over the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device. The proximal end of the hollow body provides a receiving space for receiving the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device. One or more magnet is disposed on the sleeve member. A magnetic shield composed of one or more shielding materials associated with the cover that minimizes any effects to the clinical environment from magnetic fields generated within the cover. Medical devices, assemblies and methods of magnetizing the shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device using the cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for confirmation of fluid delivery to a patient at the clinical point of use is provided. The system includes a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device has a housing; at least one imaging sensor associated with the housing; a data transmission interface; a data reporting accessory for providing data to the user; a microprocessor for managing the at least one imaging sensor, the data transmission interface, and the data reporting accessory; and a program for acquiring and processing images from the at least one imaging sensor. The system further includes a fluid delivery apparatus; and one or more identification tags attached to or integrally formed with the fluid delivery apparatus. The program processes an image captured by the at least one imaging sensor to identify the one or more identification tags and acquires fluid delivery apparatus information from the one or more identification tags.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (100) for administering a low dose of a medicament includes a housing (111) and a drug reservoir (101) disposed in the housing (111). A needle (135) is connected to the drug reservoir (101). A pressure applying member (113) is movably connected to the housing (111) and is movable between first and second positions. The pressure applying member (113) does not apply pressure to the drug reservoir (101) in the first position and applies pressure to the drug reservoir (101) in the second position to dispense medicament stored in the drug reservoir (101). A method of administering a low dose of insulin to simulate a first-phase insulin response of a pancreas is also disclosed.