Abstract: A disposable device for making an incision in the skin of a human or animal by a retracting blade member that selfretracts after the incision is completed for bleeding time determinations, is disclosed. The device comprises a housing, a hammer mechanism pivotably positioned within the housing and including a cam surface, and a selfretracting shuttle supported within the housing and including a cam follower surface, the shuttle operative to travel in a vertical direction by (i) the movement of the cam surface along the cam follower surface and (ii) the force exerted on the shuttle by a first spring extending from the shuttle. Secured on the shuttle is a cutting surface {(blade(s)} operative to move out of the housing to make the incision and then selfretract into the housing.

Abstract: A collection tube and method for drawing samples of blood and other biological fluids, such tube having a tip construction effective in promoting the entry of such fluids into the tube and, where the tube is designed to fill by capillary attraction, in enhancing the rate and extent of such action. The fine-bore tube is transparent and is cylindrical in shape with its tip beveled to define an oval planar end surface, the long axis of the oval intersecting a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the tube at an acute angle within the range of about 35.degree. to 60.degree..

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of blood and other fluids for clinical testing purposes. The device includes an open-ended vial and a cap equipped with a capillary tube for drawing samples into the wall. The cap is internally threaded and the vial is provided at its open end with at least one arcuate flange engagable with the threads of the cap to shift the parts axially as they are rotated with respect to each other. A vent opening in the cap is sealed by the flange when the parts are threaded tightly together and is unsealed to allow passage of air to and from the vial when the parts are unthreaded but still connected. Retention lips provided by the cap retain the parts together when they are in their unthreaded condition.

Abstract: A device for collecting micro samples of arterial or venous blood from patients and for transporting and delivering such samples to suitable blood analysis equipment such as a conventional blood gas analyzer. An essential component of the device is a tubular elastomeric adapter-handle having integral body and tip sections, the body section having a tapered bore for receiving and holding the end portion of a heparinized glass microcapillary tube and the tip being both internally and externally tapered (in reverse directions) to permit releasable attachment of the tip to the hub of a hypodermic needle and, after a sample has been collected, to the inlet of a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating serum from other blood components in a centrifuge tube. The separator comprises a cylindrical, laterally-expandable filter element composed of a multiplicity of generally longitudinally-oriented fibers, 10 to 40 millimicrons in diameter, formed of a biologically inert polymeric material having a specific gravity within the range of about 1.10 to 1.50 and bonded to adjacent fibers only at spaced-apart junctures. The filter element has a diameter within the range of 9 to 15 millimeters, a length from 75 to 125 percent of its diameter, and a bulk density of about 0.20 to 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A method for collecting micro samples of arterial or venous blood from patients and for transporting and delivering such samples to suitable blood analysis equipment such as a conventional blood gas analyzer. An essential component of the device is a tubular elastomeric adapter-handle having integral body and tip sections, the body section having a tapered bore for receiving and holding the end portion of a heparinized glass microcapillary tube and the tip being both internally and externally tapered (in reverse directions) to permit releasable attachment of the tip to the hub of a hypodermic needle and, after a sample has been collected, to the inlet of a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of blood and other fluides for clinical testing purposes. The device includes a deformable vial, a non-vented cap removably secured to the open end of the vial, such cap having a bevel-tipped collection tube extending therefrom, and a closure member for initially sealing the collection tube and, following the collection of a sample, the vial itself.

Abstract: A disposable multi-chamber cuvette for use with photometric chemical analyzers. Each chamber is defined by an individual cup formed of optically-clear plastic material having its own side, end, and bottom walls. Each pair of adjacent cups are joined by a thin vertical web that is spaced inwardly from the side walls of adjacent cups so that light piping between cups is minimized. The thin webs preferably extend along the longitudinal vertical midplane of the series. A unitary cover seals the open tops of the cups and coacts to rigidify the entire assembly. A suitable handle projects from one end of the series to provide means for inserting and removing the rigid cuvette cartridge into and from a chemical analyzer.

Abstract: Combination and method for mixing a blood sample and an anticoagulant within a collection tube and for then capturing, removing and discarding the mixing element without danger of direct contact between the blood sample and the technician. The full combination includes a blood collection tube, at least one resilient end cap for the tube having a cavity which extends well beyond that tube when the cap is in place, a magnetic element slidable within the tube and receivable in the cap, and a magnet for shifting the magnetic element. After being directed into the cap following a mixing operation, the blood-covered magnetic element may be held within the cavity by finger pressure on the cap and discarded along with the cap.

Abstract: Container apparatus for processing biological specimens therein is described wherein a perforated box-like bottom member has a perforated box-like cover member telescopically fitted thereon which is capable of being supported in several positions to adjust the enclosed volume of the container to compensate for different sized specimens. The unique cover member is also separately described.

Abstract: An improved biological test apparatus has an organoplastic support surface which has been treated to become hydrophilic, said surface supporting an aqueous gel employed for the desired test mechanism. The hydrophilic treatment enables the aqueous gel to be in uniform close adherent contact with the support surface. This prevents the formation of an uneven gel thickness and improves the adherence of the gel to the support surface during storage and subsequent use.

Abstract: Transparent organoplastic apparatus is described having at least one capillary chamber formed therein communicating with an outer edge of the apparatus. This chamber has a flat bottom wall and a flat upper wall forming the capillary chamber therebetween. The upper wall has an outer edge extending inwardly in a concave fashion from the outer edge of the apparatus, exposing the portion of the bottom wall between the outer edge of the upper wall and the outer edge of the apparatus. Liquid to be inspected is placed on this exposed portion of the bottom wall at the concave outer edge of the upper wall, and capillary action draws such liquid into the capillary chamber where it can be microscopically examined.