Abstract: A blood collection needle holder is described which permits quick release of a spent blood collection needle once it has been used without complex manipulation by the health care provider. The device provides a locking mechanism on one end of a needle and blood collection container holder which can be opened with the fingers of one hand in order to avoid time consuming and potentially hazardous manipulations.

Abstract: A blood collection needle holder is described which permits quick release of a spent blood collection needle once it has been used without complex manipulation by the health care provider. The device provides a locking mechanism on one end of a needle and blood collection container holder which can be opened with the fingers of one hand in order to avoid time consuming and potentially hazardous manipulations.

Abstract: A connector is described for intravenous systems which fits over an I.V. needle which is inserted into the system such that the I.V. needle is at all times covered to prevent accidental contact with those using the system. The connector is a sleeve which fits over the I.V. needle and completely covers it. One end of the catheter tube or adaptor fitted to the tube is inserted into the sleeve so that the I.V. needle becomes engaged with the tube.

Abstract: A blood collection needle holder is described which permits quick release of a spent blood collection needle once it has been used without complex manipulation by the health care provider. The device provides a locking mechanism on one end of a needle and blood collection container holder which can be opened with the fingers of one hand in order to avoid time consuming and potentially hazardous manipulations.

Abstract: A blood collection system and method are disclosed in which a neutralizing agent for pathogens such as HTLV-III virus is added to the blood collected in a standard blood bag or group of connected bags. Conveniently, the neutralizing agent, which can be in liquid or powder form, is held in a small container attached to the blood bag and released into the collected blood or alternatively, prepositioned in the collecting or satellite bag.

Abstract: A technique and receptacle for disinfecting biological fluids such as whole blood is described in which the disinfectant is prepositioned in a receptacle for biological fluids utilized for clinical evaluation in an amount which is sufficient to disinfect the fluid without interfering with subsequent clinical evaluation. The invention is specifically directed to disinfecting viral contaminants in blood by providing a closed container for the blood specimen which contains an amount of a disinfectant sufficient to destroy without otherwise affecting the integrity of the specimen for future evaluation. The amount of disinfectant positioned in the container is adjusted to provide an ultimate concentration in the blood specimen of aldehyde of about 0.001 to 5.0 weight percent and is buffered to a pH of about 7.2 to 8.5 percent preferably about 7.4.

Abstract: A technique and receptacle for disinfecting biological fluids such as whole blood is described in which the disinfectant is prepositioned in a receptacle for biological fluids utilized for clinical evaluation in an amount which is sufficient to disinfect the fluid without interfering with subsequent clinical evaluation. The invention is specifically directed to disinfecting viral contaminants in blood by providing a closed container for the blood specimen which contains an amount of an aldehyde based disinfectant such as glutaraldehyde sufficient to destroy without otherwise affecting the integrity of the specimen for future evaluation. The amount of aldehyde based disinfectant positioned in the container is adjusted to provide an ultimate concentration in the blood specimen of aldehyde of about 0.1 to 2.5 weight percent and is buffered to a pH of about 7.2 to 8.5 percent preferably about 7.4.