Abstract: An evacuated container assembly suitable for use in connection with blood collection including: (a) a container member formed of a first polymeric material and having a sidewall and one or more openings; (b) a nanocomposite barrier coating disposed on the container member having a thickness of up to about 30 microns and being derived from an aqueous dispersion including (i) a dispersed barrier matrix polymer; and (ii) a substantially exfoliated silicate filler having an aspect ratio of more than 50; and (c) one or more sealing members disposed in the opening(s) operative to hermetically seal the cavity; wherein the cavity is evacuated and maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure and exhibits a draw volume loss lower than that of a like assembly without a nanocomposite barrier film by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid collection device wherein multiple, individual samples of fluid can be collected simultaneously. The device includes a chamber and an adapter which substantially and simultaneously distributes the blood to individual chambers with chamber specific additives. Also included is a system for using the blood collection device, preferably within a diagnostic testing laboratory.

Abstract: A multilayer evacuated blood collection tube is provided having a first tube layer, and a second tube layer formed on the first tube layer and a closure, the second tube layer being a nanocomposite barrier layer. Such containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels.

Abstract: A biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and an indicator affixed to the container for displaying at least one measured characteristics of the container or sample, wherein measurement of the characteristic is commenced by activation of the indicator. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for collecting a biological sample and a label affixed to the container, wherein information relating to the biological sample or container is situated on the label and at least a portion of said information is situated on a face of the label that is affixed to the container.

Abstract: A multilayer evacuated blood collection tube is provided having a first tube layer, and a second tube layer formed on the first tube layer and a closure, the second tube layer being a nanocomposite barrier layer. Such containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels.

Abstract: A biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and an indicator affixed to the container for displaying at least one measured characteristics of the container or sample, wherein measurement of the characteristic is commenced by activation of the indicator. In another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for storing the biological sample and a colored scale affixed to the container, wherein the colored scale facilitates identification of at least one characteristic of the biological sample. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a biological sample containment system and method are provided that include a container for collecting a biological sample and a label affixed to the container, wherein information relating to the biological sample or container is situated on the label.

Abstract: A co-injection process is provided for fabricating improved multi-layer containers, including but not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, culture bottles, centrifuges tubes, and syringe barrels. The container includes a tube (10) having a bottom wall (12) and a side wall (14) with an open end (18). The container can be provided with a stopper having an upper portion (22) and a skirt with an outside portion (30), a well (34) and a cavity (36). The tube and stopper assembly can be used for medical purposes including containing a blood sample within an enclosed interior space (40).

Abstract: An evacuated container assembly suitable for use in connection with blood collection including: (a) a container member formed of a first polymeric material and having a sidewall and one or more openings; (b) a nanocomposite barrier coating disposed on the container member having a thickness of up to about 30 microns and being derived from an aqueous dispersion including (i) a dispersed barrier matrix polymer; and (ii) a substantially exfoliated silicate filler having an aspect ratio of more than 50; and (c) one or more sealing members disposed in the opening(s) operative to hermetically seal the cavity; wherein the cavity is evacuated and maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure and exhibits a draw volume loss lower than that of a like assembly without a nanocomposite barrier film by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: A multilayer evacuated blood collection tube is provided having a first tube layer, and a second tube layer formed on the first tube layer and a closure, the second tube layer being a nanocomposite barrier layer. Such containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid collection device wherein multiple, individual samples of fluid can be collected simultaneously. The device includes a chamber and an adapter which substantially and simultaneously distributes the blood to individual chambers with chamber specific additives. Also included is a system for using the blood collection device, preferably within a diagnostic testing laboratory.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions having excellent mechanical and thermal properties as well as high impact resistance are prepared by mixing an aromatic polycarbonate resin with a structured multiphase composite impact modifier. The structured multiphase composite impact modifier has a core particle of a rubbery particle having a glass transition temperature below -20.degree. C. and a second glassy polymer having a glass transition temperature above 20.degree. C., where the second polymer is present as discontinuous regions on the surface of the core particle.