Abstract: A hydrophobic electrostatic breathing filter is fabricated by applying a thin layer of adhesive to the pinch ring of a patient side filter housing portion. A hydrophobic membrane is positioned over the adhesively coated pinch ring to effect a hermetic seal between the pinch ring and membrane using the adhesive interface. Electrostatic filter media and scrim are positioned adjacent the pinch ring of a machine side filter housing portion, and the patient and machine side portions of the housing are then welded together to hold the electrostatic filter media/scrim in place adjacent the hermetically sealed hydrophobic membrane by a mechanical clamping force exerted by the pinch rings. The resultant filter includes a hydrophobic membrane which is hermetically sealed across the patient side of the filter housing, and an electrostatic filter media/scrim element which is independent of the hydrophobic membrane and which is mechanically held in place adjacent the hydrophobic membrane.

Abstract: The safety device of the instant invention is equipped with a fluid absorbable material at the portion of the sheath that meets the tip portion of the needle so that, as the sheath is pivoted to a position in substantial alignment with the needle, whatever fluid that has been collected at the needle is absorbed before the needle is fixedly retained by a locking mechanism, either integrated within the needle sheath or to the base and lower portion of the needle sheath, to thereby prevent splattering or aerosolization of contaminated fluid into the environment.

Abstract: A self-filling blood collection device has a frusto-conical body through which a channel extends. The body is formed to have a lure end to mate with a needle and another end that is fitted with a hydrophilic filter that allows air to pass through but is self-sealing when exposed to fluid. The cavity volume of the channel is configured to accept different minute amounts of blood for testing. An insert may be fitted within the channel of the device to decrease the cavity volume so that a smaller amount of blood is collected. Once punctured with a needle attached to the lure end of the device, blood from the patient will self-fill the channel of the device due to the blood pressure of the patient. A vent cap may be added to the device to make it adaptable to be used with all types of blood analyzer equipment.