Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a blood sample in a test tube from a sealed container. The apparatus includes a main body having a cup-like portion with side walls and a bottom portion cooperating to define a central cavity for receiving the sealed container. The main body also includes provisions which enable mounting to the test tube so that the cup-like portion extends into the test tube. A piercing element is positioned within the cavity and has a tip capable of penetrating the sealed container when the container is inserted into the cavity so that an opening is formed in the container through which the blood sample can be obtained in the test tube.

Abstract: A needle sheath holder consisting of a hollow barrel member having an open upper end and adapted to be held in the hand by a medical technologist during the sheathing and unsheathing of needles employed in extracting and injecting body fluids. A protective shield member of generally rectangular shape is mounted on the barrel member at a position to protect the hand of one holding the barrel during sheathing and unsheathing of a needle. Flexible gripper members at the open end of the barrel member are operable to frictionally engage a needle sheath inserted into the barrel member through the open end so as to retain the sheath in the barrel member.