Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes a housing and a cannula extending distally from the housing including a patient end, and a cannula shield removably engaged with a portion of the housing. The cannula shield is capable of shielding at least the patient end of the cannula, and includes a safety shield engagement. The assembly includes a pivoting safety shield engaged with a portion of the housing, which is transitionable from a retracted position in which the patient end of the cannula is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end of the cannula is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. The safety shield includes at least one locking tab releasably engageable with the safety shield engagement, wherein the locking tab is fixedly engageable with a portion of the housing in the extended position.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly includes a housing having a flash chamber, and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with a specimen collection container. The assembly includes a cannula having a patient end, a non-patient end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a cannula interior. The patient end of the cannula projects at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the flash chamber. The assembly further includes a shield restrainably engaged with a portion of the housing and axially transitionable over the patient cannula from a retracted position in which the patient end is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the shield, wherein at least a portion of the flash chamber is visible in the retracted position.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes a housing and a cannula extending distally from the housing including a patient end, and a cannula shield removably engaged with a portion of the housing. The cannula shield is capable of shielding at least the patient end of the cannula, and includes a safety shield engagement. The assembly includes a pivoting safety shield engaged with a portion of the housing, which is transitionable from a retracted position in which the patient end of the cannula is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end of the cannula is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. The safety shield includes at least one locking tab releasably engageable with the safety shield engagement, wherein the locking tab is fixedly engageable with a portion of the housing in the extended position.

Abstract: A needle assembly is provided with the housing, and IV cannula for accessing a blood vessel and a non-patient cannula for communication with an evacuated tube. A flashback chamber is provided in the housing at or near the distal end of the housing. A shield is hinged to a portion of the assembly proximally of the entrance to the flashback chamber. As a result, good visibility of the flashback chamber is achieved. After use, the shield can be rotated into a closed portion for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: An operable single-use syringe includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid and an open proximal end. A plunger rod having an elongate body portion and a stopper at its distal end slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement in the barrel. A locking element is positioned in the barrel between the plunger rod and the inside surface of the barrel. The locking element has a base and two leg members projecting therefrom that are positioned in longitudinal grooves in the plunger rod. The locking element only moves distally in the barrel and prevents re-use of the syringe after its contents have been discharged.

Abstract: An operable single-use syringe includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid and an open proximal end. A plunger rod having an elongate body portion and a stopper at its distal end slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement in the barrel. A locking element is positioned in the barrel between the plunger rod and the inside surface of the barrel. The locking element has a base and two leg members projecting therefrom that are positioned in longitudinal grooves in the plunger rod. The locking element only moves distally in the barrel and prevents re-use of the syringe after its contents have been discharged.

Abstract: A safety blood collection device including holder housing adapted to maintain a needle cannula with a puncture tip extending from a forward end thereof and to receive a sample collection tube through a rearward end thereof. A retainer coacts with the holder housing to maintain the needle in a first position with the puncture tip of the needle extending from the forward end of the holder housing. The retainer is adapted for activation so as to release the needle from this first position, thereby permitting the needle to move based on the force of gravity and the weight of the needle to a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is contained within the interior chamber of the holder housing. As such, upright placement of the holder housing upon activation of the retainer will permit the needle to drop within the holder housing, thereby containing the needle cannula therein as a self-contained assembly.

Abstract: A single use syringe assembly is provided as well as a locking element for such an assembly. The single use syringe assembly includes a barrel, a plunger rod assembly and a locking element positioned within the barrel. The locking element includes one or more barbs for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs prevent the locking element from moving proximally within the barrel, but allow its distal movement therein with the plunger rod assembly. A spring member may be provided for urging the barbs towards the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs are preferably positioned on the edge portions of opposing legs that form part of the locking element.

Abstract: A single use syringe assembly is provided as well as a locking element for such an assembly. The single use syringe assembly includes a barrel, a plunger rod assembly and a locking element positioned within the barrel. The locking element includes one or more barbs for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs prevent the locking element from moving proximally within the barrel, but allow its distal movement therein with the plunger rod assembly. A spring member may be provided for urging the barbs towards the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs are preferably positioned on the edge portions of opposing legs that form part of the locking element.

Abstract: A single use syringe assembly is provided as well as a locking element for such an assembly. The single use syringe assembly includes a barrel, a plunger rod assembly and a locking element positioned within the barrel. The locking element includes one or more barbs for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs prevent the locking element from moving proximally within the barrel, but allow its distal movement therein with the plunger rod assembly. A spring member may be provided for urging the barbs towards the inside surface of the barrel. Structure provided for holding the proximal end and the distal end of the plunger rod assembly together during normal use of the syringe is breakable upon application of an additional force applied to the proximal end of the plunger rod.

Abstract: A single use syringe assembly is provided as well as a locking element for such an assembly. The single use syringe assembly includes a barrel, a plunger rod assembly and a locking element positioned within the barrel. The locking element includes one or more barbs for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs prevent the locking element from moving proximally within the barrel, but allow its distal movement therein with the plunger rod assembly. A spring member may be provided for urging the barbs towards the inside surface of the barrel. Structure provided for holding the proximal end and the distal end of the plunger rod assembly together during normal use of the syringe is breakable upon application of an additional force applied to the proximal end of the plunger rod.

Abstract: A single use syringe assembly is provided as well as a locking element for such an assembly. The single use syringe assembly includes a barrel, a plunger rod assembly and a locking element positioned within the barrel. The locking element includes one or more barbs for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs prevent the locking element from moving proximally within the barrel, but allow its distal movement therein with the plunger rod assembly. A spring member may be provided for urging the barbs towards the inside surface of the barrel. The barbs are preferably positioned on the edge portions of opposing legs that form part of the locking element.