Abstract: Bodily fluid sample collection systems, devices, and method are provided. The device may comprise a first portion comprising at least a sample collection channel configured to draw the fluid sample into the sample collection channel via a first type of motive force. The sample collection device may include a second portion comprising a sample container for receiving the bodily fluid sample collected in the sample collection channel, the sample container operably engagable to be in fluid communication with the collection channel, whereupon when fluid communication is established, the container provides a second motive force different from the first motive force to move a majority of the bodily fluid sample from the channel into the container.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device includes a collection module and an outer housing. The collection module includes a housing comprising a first end having a sample introduction opening, a second end having a sample dispensing opening, and a passageway extending between the sample introduction opening and the sample dispensing opening. A mixing chamber and a holding chamber are in fluid communication with the passageway such that a sample introduced into the sample introduction opening passes through the mixing chamber and subsequently into the holding chamber. The biological fluid collection device further includes a closure covering the first end, a cap covering the second end and including a vented plug, and an activation member adapted to force a sample contained in the holding chamber out of the sample dispensing opening. The collection module is positioned inside of the outer housing and the closure closes the open end of the outer housing.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device such as a syringe may include a fluid chamber in communication with a male connector tip. The male connector tip is tapered to form a friction fit when inserted in a corresponding female hub. A disconnecting member, e.g., in the form of a lever member has a front surface moveable along the male connector tip between a first position proximal to the fluid chamber and a second position spaced from the first position towards a distal end of the male connector tip so as to release the friction fit. A catch is arranged to catch the female hub after it has been released from the friction fit by the lever member moving towards the second position. The catch may be released when the lever member pivots back towards the first position under the resilient bias of a spring tongue.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a drug-delivery device is proposed, the mounting arrangement comprising: a plug element with a longitudinal axis (L) and a housing part having a recess with a side wall which is adapted to receive the plug element. At least one of the plug element or the side wall of the recess are provided with a protrusion for fixing the plug element in a given position relative to the housing part by a force-fit engagement. Furthermore, a coupling assembly is proposed, the coupling assembly comprising the plug element and the housing part being mechanically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a drug-delivery device is proposed, the mounting arrangement comprising: a plug element with a longitudinal axis (L) and a housing part having a recess with a side wall which is adapted to receive the plug element. At least one of the plug element or the side wall of the recess are provided with a protrusion for fixing the plug element in a given position relative to the housing part by a force-fit engagement. Furthermore, a coupling assembly is proposed, the coupling assembly comprising the plug element and the housing part being mechanically coupled to each other.

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 biological fluid collection device includes a collection module and an outer housing. The collection module includes a housing comprising a first end having a sample introduction opening, a second end having a sample dispensing opening, and a passageway extending between the sample introduction opening and the sample dispensing opening. A mixing chamber and a holding chamber are in fluid communication with the passageway such that a sample introduced into the sample introduction opening passes through the mixing chamber and subsequently into the holding chamber. The biological fluid collection device further includes a closure covering the first end, a cap covering the second end and including a vented plug, and an activation member adapted to force a sample contained in the holding chamber out of the sample dispensing opening. The collection module is positioned inside of the outer housing and the closure closes the open end of the outer housing.

Abstract: Bodily fluid sample collection systems, devices, and method are provided. The device may comprise a first portion comprising at least a sample collection channel configured to draw the fluid sample into the sample collection channel via a first type of motive force. The sample collection device may include a second portion comprising a sample container for receiving the bodily fluid sample collected in the sample collection channel, the sample container operably engagable to be in fluid communication with the collection channel, whereupon when fluid communication is established, the container provides a second motive force different from the first motive force to move a majority of the bodily fluid sample from the channel into the container.

Abstract: A device for drawing fluid from a lumen comprising a body, a first needle portion extending from a forward portion of the body and a second needle portion extending from a rear portion of the body, wherein the body includes an observation portion adapted to allow visual observation of the fluid, and wherein the observation portion is provided with enhancement means adapted to enhance the visibility of the fluid in the observation portion.

Abstract: According to the invention, a safety device for a pre-filled syringe comprises a hollow support body for retaining the pre-filled syringe, a hollow needle shield that is movable relative to the support body from a first position to a second position, releasable mounting means to mount the pre-filled syringe within the support body and a spring means arranged within the support body in a non-energized or only slightly energized state. The movement of the needle shield from the first position to the second position fully energizes the spring means.

Abstract: A disposable automatic painless safe hemostix includes an outer casing, an inner sleeve, a needle module and a spring. The needle module is snapped in the inner sleeve and the outer casing. The needle module has a needle point protecting pole. Interlock fixing faces and protrusions are provided on the inner sleeve. Interlock guiding slopes and protrusion stoppers are provided on the inner wall of the outer casing. One end of the interlock engages the interlock fixing face, and the other end engages the interlock guiding slope.

Abstract: A portable laser blood sampling device equipped with a dual safety device and a disposable cap used therewith are provided. Specifically, a portable laser blood sampling device equipped with a dual safety device which enables safe laser irradiation when a laser is irradiated to the outside by a laser module and a disposable cap used therewith are provided.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery device including a valve assembly, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gases containing nitric oxide are also described.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device has proximal and distal ends; a medicament container with a plunger, a neck portion, and a delivery member unit; a housing extending along a longitudinal axis with proximal and distal open ends; a drive unit configured to apply a force on the plunger; and a C-shaped tubular body with a longitudinal slit/gap such that body can be attached to the neck portion forming a container unit. The C-shaped body also has an inner support configured to interact with the neck portion and with the delivery member unit and prevent the medicament container from moving relative to the body after the medicament container is attached to the body, and outer support configured to interact with a corresponding support of the housing to prevent the C-shaped tubular body from moving relative to the housing after the container is arranged within the housing through the distal open end.

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: Exemplary embodiments provide automatic injection devices, housing components for automatic injection devices and methods for fabricating the same. An exemplary housing of an automatic injection device may be overmolded with one or more gripping surfaces to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the automatic injection device by a user when performing an injection. In an exemplary embodiment, an overmolded left gripping surface may extend along a left side of the housing and an overmolded right gripping surface may extend along a right side of the housing opposite to the left side.

Abstract: The Invention comprises a body, an actuator pivotally connected to the body, and a retractable needle adapted to provide fluid communication between a patient and a fluid collection tube, typically a blood collection tube, attachable to the device. A significant feature of the subject device is a retraction cavity disposed inside the actuator that is manually positionable to receive a portion of the needle retraction assembly following removal of the blood collection tube. Retraction is initiated by depressing the forwardly extending end of the actuator relative to the body, thereby causing a retainer clip to release the needle holder, after which the needle holder and a part of the needle are propelled into the retraction cavity by expansion of a compressed spring. The needle is thereby withdrawn from the patient and into the housing, reducing the likelihood of accidental needle sticks and preventing reuse of the device.

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: Systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances, such as blood, from subjects. In one embodiment, devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject employ devices including a substance transfer component (such as one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, for example, using pain scales such as the WONG BAKER FACES Pain Scale. The device may be self-contained, applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood using sensors or agents in the device or an external apparatus.

Abstract: A safety sleeve system for syringes and other needle-based devices prevents accidental needle sticks after use of the syringe. The safety sleeve system allows an easy mechanical cover that, once actuated, locks over the exposed needle for safe coverage and disposal, or, in a sterile situation, allows for exposure of a clean needle. The safety sleeve system minimally alters an existing syringe and allows for identical use and function, with only an outer sleeve cover that follows tracks embossed on the exterior of the existing syringe. This sleeve cover can be twisted and locked in an operation position, where the needle extends from the sleeve cover, or in a safety position, where the needle is encased by the sleeve cover.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sampling blood and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, devices, and systems for high-efficiency isolation of analytes from blood, e.g., for sensitive detection of analytes present in blood at low concentrations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A disposable sterile retracting blood taking needle consists of an end cover, a protective sleeve, a needle guard, a needle, a needle hub, a core rod. An outer sleeve, a piston, a sheath and a blood taking needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for analyzing a fluid sample. In one aspect, the device includes a fluidic substrate that comprises a micro-fluidic component embedded in the fluidic substrate configured to propagate a fluid sample via capillary force through the device and a means for providing a fluid sample connected to the micro-fluidic component. The device also includes a lid attached to the fluidic substrate at least partly covering the fluidic substrate and at least partly closing the micro-fluidic component. The fluidic substrate may be a silicon fluidic substrate and the lid may be a CMOS chip. In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for fabricating such a device, and the method may include providing a fluidic substrate, providing a lid, and attaching, through a CMOS compatible bonding process, the fluidic substrate to the lid to close the fluidic substrate at least partly.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having reduced penetration force. The device includes a body having a central hollow channel and a piezoelectric transducer received within and secured to the body. The piezoelectric transducer has a hollow portion concentric with the central hollow channel. A tubular member is associated with and in communication with the piezoelectric transducer. The tubular member has at least one open end formed concentric with the central hollow channel and the hollow portion of the piezoelectric transducer, wherein the transducer is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the tubular member.

Abstract: A medical device having a frontal attachment and a connector housing having at least a body part of an associated medical apparatus, the frontal attachment slidably engaging the connector housing and having a forwardly projecting, rearwardly biased needle and a needle retraction assembly, and the connector housing having a needle retraction cavity laterally offset from the needle in a first position, the needle retraction cavity being selectively movable relative to the frontal attachment following use to reposition the needle retraction cavity into alignment with the needle to permit retraction. The subject device is desirably specially modified for use in blood gas sampling by the addition of a filter plug.

Abstract: A needle-extension and retraction device for a syringe for collecting blood samples provided with a vacuum tube includes a needle having a front and rear part. The syringe includes a front portion of a reduced diameter, and a rear portion of a greater diameter, in which the said vacuum tube is housed. The extension and retraction mechanism includes a resilient front member, which further includes a resilient rear member. The resilient front member has a resilient return constant that is slightly less than that of the said rear resilient member. A fastening member having a front end and a rear end is disposed between the resilient front member and the resilient rear member. A sealing member that includes a front face and a rear face, is disposed about the rear resilient return element. The device also includes an actuator means disposed on the rear portion of the syringe.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for sampling fluids from subjects. The fluid may be any suitable bodily fluid, e.g., blood or interstitial fluid. In some cases, the subject is a patient. The subject may have a device that can be applied to the skin of the subject (e.g., by the subject, or another person), and the device is able to obtain a sample of fluid. The fluid may be stored within a reservoir in the device, and the fluid may be obtained from the subject at any convenient time, e.g., at home, away from a healthcare setting, etc. In some embodiments, the device, or a portion thereof, may be returned to a clinical and/or laboratory setting to analyze the fluid stored within the device.

Abstract: An object is to provide a blood collection set configured such that a sampling holder and a needlestick-preventive needle cover are more difficult to disengage from each other than conventional. A blood collection set (500) includes a sampling holder (100) and a needlestick-preventive needle cover (200). The sampling holder (100) includes a tubular body (110), a lid (130), and a fitting portion (140) having a circumferential rib as a rib portion and a catching portion. The needlestick-preventive needle cover (200) includes an engaging portion (250) that is engageable with the catching portion of the sampling holder (100).

Abstract: An integrated-testing system includes a meter, a lancing device and a storage case. The meter includes a housing, a display and a processor. The storage case holds the meter and the lancing device in a relatively fixed position to each other. The meter and the lancing device are maintained in the storage case in the relatively fixed position until a fluid sample is desired, at which time a first portion of the lancing device is advanced to a position external to the storage case to obtain the fluid sample and a second portion of the lancing device remains relatively fixed in the storage case while the fluid sample is obtained.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for sterilely filtering amniotic fluid from selected caesarean sections of an individual. The amniotic fluid is first centrifuged at 5,000 to 10,000 rpm for 30 to 60 minutes and filtered through filters with about 5 to about 10 ?m pore size. Next, the fluid is sequentially filtered through a series of membrane filters with the pore sizes 1 ?m and 0.45 or/and 0.2 ?m. The filtrate is then aseptically transferred to and sealed in syringes or vials. The fluid is subsequently lyophilized to obtain the lyophilisate of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is reconstituted by adding sterile water to the lyophilisate, and the reconstituted fluid is used for wound healing, cosmetic, orthopedic or ophthalmic applications, particularly for the treatment of dry eyes.

Abstract: The invention includes devices and methods for obtaining samples of blood or other bodily fluids with reduced levels of contamination. Fluid obtained from a subject may be contaminated by skin cells, bacteria, fungi, viruses, phages, their respective RNA, DNA, and/or other undesirable molecules, or disinfectants. A first amount of fluid is injected from the subject through an distal needle and a proximal needle penetrates a first portion of a device having a sequestration chamber with sub-atmospheric pressure therein. A first portion of the fluid, containing contaminants, is deposited into the sequestration chamber. The proximal needle is then moved through a second portion of the sequestration chamber and into a collection container. Because contaminants are removed from the sample, analysis and diagnosis of a subject's condition becomes more reliable and accurate. Additional devices and methods can be used to obtain relatively uncontaminated samples from cell culturing vessels.

Abstract: A sealing cap for a body fluid container, and a body fluid collection device and system are disclosed. The sealing cap includes an inner cap placeable on an opening in the body fluid container forming a mouth, the inner cap has a shielding member which seals the mouth of the body fluid container, an outer cap resting on the inner cap, the outer cap being movable relative to the inner cap, and a channel member, wherein by a rotational movement the outer cap is movable between an first position in which the channel member is located separated from the shielding member and a second position in which the channel member extends through the shielding member, thereby establishing an open state of the shielding member, and wherein the shielding member returns to a closed state when the outer cap is moved back from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a closed IV line draw system which may be used with a PIVC or another vascular access device to collect blood samples. The closed IV line draw system consists of various integrated components that allow the system to remain closed during the blood collection process. In this way, the closed IV line draw system simplifies the blood collection process and reduces the risk of contamination to the PIVC or other vascular access device.

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 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: Enables cleaning a user's target area around a vein, starting an intravenous catheter placement into a user's vein, drawing blood from a vein, transferring the blood into one or more test tubes and labeling the test tubes. Includes a housing configured to enable a user to fit their arm into the apparatus, a blood pressure cuff, a scanner, a computer system, one or more needles, test tubes and labels. The scanner may scan the user's arm for target veins. Uses an antiseptic solution or antiseptic pads to wipe down a target area, such that a selected needle of appropriate size is lowered and inserted into the targeted vein to draw blood. Embodiments may lower and fill the test tube with the user's drawn blood, label the test tubes with the user's information and dispose the needle into a biohazard removable container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: Arrangements are provided including a base having a bore disposed therein extending from a first surface of the base through a second surface of the base, a fluid transport tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a lumen having an inner diameter, at least the second end of the tube being received within the bore of the base, and at least one fluid transport enhancing groove having at least a first section disposed in the second surface of the base and in fluid communication with the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to kits and methods for extracting a target analyte from a biological fluid in real time. The biological fluid, therefore, does not need to be stored or shipped/delivered. Isolating the target analyte in real-time allows for on-the-spot processing with minimal, if any, down time between collection and testing. Furthermore, isolating in real time may also allow for the biological fluid to be extracted, processed, and returned—similar to that of dialysis—to permit for more volume to be processed and tested. In one aspect, an inner surface of a conduit may include a coating having a high affinity for the target analyte. The conduit may also include features which create turbulent flow to permit all portions of the biological fluid to come into contact with the coating. In another aspect, a capture chip is used to isolate the target analyte from the biological fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a disposable diagnostic part comprising a lancing element (14) which is designed for puncturing the skin (26) and has a collecting channel (16) for taking up body fluid, and comprising a detection element (18) which has a test layer (42) provided with reagents for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid and is disposed in the collecting channel (16). In order to ensure an improved stability and biocompatibility it is proposed that the detection element (18) is provided with a sealing layer (20) that is applied to the test layer (42) and covers the reagents.

Abstract: A novel blood collection device is described to secure a needle in place in a placenta or umbilical cord to prevent needle stick before, during, and after cord blood collection procedure.

Abstract: A system, and a method for its use, provides for placement of a fluid delivery needle into the tail of a laboratory animal. The system includes an animal receiving portion, structure configured to receive, position and restrain a tail of the animal placed in the animal receiving portion and a hollow needle attached to a fluid transfer device. Positioning structure is provided to align the needle and fluid transfer chamber with the restrained tail for proper automated insertion of the needle into a blood vessel within the tail. A lateral actuator operatively connected to the fluid transfer device moves the hollow needle in a forward direction so that it is inserted into the blood vessel of the properly aligned tail. The system can include a computer programmed to automatically perform all of the functions and operate all the components of the system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member.