Abstract: An apparatus withdraws blood from a vein or artery and collects it in a collection vessel. The collection vessel includes blood inlet means and air outlet means communicating with the ambient air. The blood inlet means is adapted to accept an intravenous needle having one end ensheathed in a flexible sleeve. The blood inlet means is adapted to engage the flexible sleeve and form a seal therewith. An adaptor holds the intravenous device and collection vessel together.

Abstract: Apparatus for collection of a blood sample from a finger stick includes a collection vessel removably connected to a cap. The cap has a passage therethrough between a hollow adaptor connected to the cap and extending in an opposite direction from the vessel. The adaptor facilitates introducing blood into the vessel by creating a vacuum in the vessel and adaptor. For shipment of the blood sample, the open ends of the adaptor and vessel are closed by means of a plug and then the cap is removably secured to the open end of a container into which the vessel extends.