Abstract: A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve hosing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough. The method further comprises piercing the patient's skin, thereby inserting the catheter into the patient. The method further comprises holding the catheter and valve housing in place while removing the hollow needle through the catheter and valve housing. The hollow needle passes through the first and second ports of the valve housing.