Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum by means of a source of light, preferably a laser, more preferably a pulsed laser. By increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum, access to the interstitial fluid is achieved, thereby enabling measurement of analytes in the interstitial fluid. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a source of light having a wavelength of from about 930 nm to about 1040 nm; and (b) exposing a region of the stratum corneum of the patient to said source of light for a period of time sufficient to form an opening in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:(a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained,(b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin,(c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood,(d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin,(e) retracting said lancet,(f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and(g) releasing the vacuum.In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum by means of a source of light, preferably a laser, more preferably a pulsed laser. By increasing the permeability of the stratum corneum, access to the interstitial fluid is achieved, thereby enabling measurement of analytes in the interstitial fluid. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of:(a) providing a source of light having a wavelength of from about 930 nm to about 1040 nm; and(b) exposing a region of the stratum corneum of the patient to said source of light for a period of time sufficient to form an opening in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: A device for performing agglutination immunoassay reactions and the like is disclosed. The device includes a first hydrophilic layer, a second liquid-occlusive layer parallel to and overlying the first layer, and a third layer parallel to and overlying the second layer. The third layer has a transparent opening for observing particles. The second layer is interposed between and in adherent relationship to the first and third layers. The second layer has at least one slot defining a channel for directing liquid conducted by capillary action through the chamber defined in conjunction with the first and third layers. This chamber has a proximate zone and a distal zone. The geometry of the chamber is modified to provide preferably outwardly diverging walls and provide a flowpath having different rates of flow per unit area along the paths.

Abstract: A solution pumping system including a disposable pump cassette is disclosed, with the system configured for efficient and accurate preparation of parenteral admisture solutions. The system includes a pump driver having a reciprocable pump plunger and a plurality of associated valve actuators. The disposable pump cassette of the system is configured for removable positioning in operative association with the pump driver, and includes a positive displacement pump configured for operation by the reciprocable pump plunger. The pump cassette further includes a plurality of liquid inlets, and at least one liquid outlet joined in fluid communication with the inlets. By selective operation of the valve actuators of the pump driver, one or more selected source solutions are drawn through the pump inlets by the positive displacement pump, and directed through the pump outlet to an admixture solution container.

Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation, the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. A resilient reseal is mounted in the catheter hub for sealing the catheter upon removal of the needle. The improvement comprises a wing hub having an axial bore adapted for telescopic reception and attachment to the catheter portion. A pair of oppositely extending flexible wings are integrally formed and extend from the wing hub. An area of reduced thickness on each of the flexible wings along a portion of the width of the wings adjacent to the wing hub allows the wings to be easily folded upward. As a result, the wings may be pinched together between the thumb and index finger, thus, making it easier to insert the needle into the vein of the patient.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. The needle is adapted for insertion and removal from the catheter. A fin extends substantially vertically from the needle hub and is constructed and arranged for gripping the device in a manner which facilitates venipuncture.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: A rotatable connecting device which provides for quick and positive interfitment between a venipuncture unit and an intravenous administration set without rotation or twisting of the venipuncture unit or intravenous tubing. A rotatable collar is provided on one of the members constituting the connecting device and is captively held thereon while permitting longitudinal movement. Frictional engaging means are disposed on the body member retaining the collar as well as the collar to provide an interference fitment. Internal threads are defined in the rotatable collar for engagement with a flange member disposed on the catheter hub. A luer lock fitment is afforded between the catheter member and the member carrying the rotatable collar.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The equipment sets of this invention have a primary tube valve controlled by pilot liquid diverted from the secondary liquid flow path.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention have a tube of reduced diameter to restrict the flow of primary liquid to a predetermined rate.

Abstract: Gravitational flow system and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention employ a novel flexible diaphragm valve as the air barrier.