Abstract: A sterilization indicator for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and a sterilization process using such an indicator are described. The indicator includes a container for holding a number of viable microorganisms and a quantity of nutrient medium; a separation member that prevents the nutrient medium from contacting the microorganisms; a penetration member that penetrates the separation member to allow the nutrient medium to contact the microorganisms and a cap, coupled to the penetration member, to seal the microorganisms and nutrient medium within the container.

Abstract: A syringe for delivering two separated bodies of fluid comprising: a first piston for separating the two bodies of fluid; a second piston for pushing the two bodies of fluid out of the syringe; and a fluid chamber having a no-pass zone in which the pistons can slide and which has a cross section that each of the pistons substantially fills, preventing the passing of fluid around the pistons when they are in the no-pass zone, an output zone to direct fluid pushed out of the syringe by the pistons, and a bypass zone, for receiving the first piston, which connects the no-pass and output zones and which has a cross section that the first piston is unable to fill, so that when the first piston enters the bypass zone the fluid between the first and second pistons can pass around the first piston to the output zone.

Abstract: This invention provides a collecting device comprising a container for collection of a specimen, an annular intermediate member removably secured to the open end of the container, a cap protector removably secured to said annular member to close the opening of the annular member and thereby the container, and a cap secured to the cap protector so that the internal surfaces of the cap are protected from contamination. Preferably the annular member, cap protector and cap have identification means and are coded to facilitate recognition and instruction of the user.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and a sterilization process using such an indicator are described.

Abstract: Improved disposable syringe for taking arterial blood samples for blood gas testing and for administering epidural anaesthesia, wherein the syringe plunger has a compressible elastomeric tip member which has a peripheral annular wiper extending axially forwardly toward the syringe floor and radially outwardly at an acute angle to the longitudinal center line of the barrel and plunger to form an excellent seal with the inner surface of the syringe barrel while at the same time providing only a gentle pressure against such surface and hence an exceptionally low resistance to axial movement of the tip member and plunger.

Abstract: An improved method for taking a sample of blood using a disposable syringe and hypodermic needle assembly comprising the steps of moving the plunger tip of the syringe axially forwardly to expel liquid anti-coagulant and air from the syringe barrel until initial contact of the tip with the barrel end is made, whereby a predetermined amount of the anti-coagulant remains in the barrel; followed by inserting the needle into a blood vessel of the patient and permitting the blood pressure in the blood vessel to move the plunger tip and plunger axially rearwardly in the barrel to take a sample of blood.

Abstract: An improved disposable syringe for taking arterial blood samples for blood gas testing, and the like, wherein the syringe barrel has a reverse-taper section at the forward end thereof so that, in such section, the inner diameter of the barrel is progressively larger the closer it is to the forward end of the barrel. Preferably, the syringe plunger has a compressible elastomeric tip member which has a peripheral annular wiper that extends axially toward the forward end of the syringe and radially outwardly at an acute angle to the longitudinal center line of the barrel and plunger to form an excellent seal with the inner surface of the syringe barrel while at the same time providing only a gentle pressure against such surface and hence an exceptionally low resistance to axial movement of the tip member and plunger.

Abstract: Improved disposable syringe for taking blood or other fluid samples, particularly arterial samples for blood gas testing or the like, which comprises a syringe body, a piston or plunger having a compressible end piece which forms a seal with the inner surface of the syringe body, the syringe body having a non-tapered section through which the end piece moves during withdrawal of the piston and preferably means for resisting further movement of the end piece when the desired sample size has been obtained. Also preferably the syringe has means which prevent contact between the compressible end piece and the end wall of the syringe.

Abstract: An elastomeric plunger tip for syringes comprises a compressible, elastomeric material having a durometer of about 35 to about 75 when measured on the Shore A scale and maintains its resilience at temperatures at least as low as 0.degree. C. The plunger tip is provided with a peripheral annular wiper lip extending axially forwardly and radially outwardly into sealing contact with the syringe barrel.

Abstract: Improved disposable syringe for taking blood or other fluid samples, particularly arterial samples for blood gas testing or the like, which comprises a syringe body, a piston or plunger having a compressible end piece which forms a seal with the inner surface of the syringe body, and a means for preventing compression or deformation of the compressible end piece against the end wall of the syringe body.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 715,678 filed Aug. 19, 1976, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 542,578 filed Jan. 20, 1975, now abandoned.

Abstract: Improved method for taking blood or other fluid samples, particularly arterial samples for blood gas testing or the like, which comprises using a disposable syringe having a syringe body, a piston or plunger having a compressible end piece which forms a seal with the inner surface of the syringe body, and a means for preventing compression or deformation of the compressible end piece against the end wall of the syringe body.