Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

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

Abstract: A needle assembly is able to collect a sample of biological material in a needle of the assembly. The needle assembly has a safety shield capable of being moved on the needle assembly to cover a sharp end of the needle assembly. The safety shield includes a tubular housing. The shield can be locked in place over the sharp end by a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes a reset member selectively operatively engageable with the locking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism to permit the tubular housing to be moved away from the sharp end of the needle assembly. The safety shield further includes a resilient membrane including a thin sheet of resilient material the entirety of which extending substantially in a plane extending across the tubular housing.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. 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 so as 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 on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: Fluid collection device includes a body having a front end and a back end. The back end is open and/or sized and configured to receive therein a receptacle. A needle holding member is arranged in an area of the front end of the body.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: A retractable needle assembly includes a housing having a sidewall defining a hollow bore, and an elongate plunger, the distal end of the plunger forming a reservoir within the hollow bore for containing a fluid therein. The plunger is adapted for slideable movement within the hollow bore. The assembly includes a hub disposed within the hollow bore and at least partially supporting a cannula therewith, and a needle retraction member engaged with the hub for manually selectable advancement with respect to a portion of the housing. The needle retraction member may be advanced from an initial position in which at least a portion of the needle is disposed outside the housing, to a retracted position in which the needle is fully surrounded by the housing. The elongate plunger may be advanced about the hub for extracting the fluid into the reservoir or expelling the fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a body, a needle, a sealing element and an element for feeding and removing a liquid. The needle has at least one groove located between the sealing element and the sampling end of the needle. The sampling end has a sampling hole opening out on a lateral wall of the end. The sampling device leakage problems encountered in the conventional art to be overcome while at the same time resolving the problems of placing the inside of a tube containing a product to be analyzed at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for automatically inserting a needle into an insertion-target region of a living subject in response to a machine-vision system locating the insertion-target region. In an embodiment, a needle insertion system includes a moveable needle configured to be inserted into a living subject, a machine-vision system configured to locate an insertion-target region of the living subject, control electrical circuitry, and an actuator coupled to the control electrical circuitry. The control electrical circuitry may be coupled to the machine-vision system to receive location information therefrom about the insertion-target region, and configured to output needle targeting instructions. The actuator may be coupled to the control electrical circuitry to receive the needle targeting instructions therefrom and coupled to the moveable needle.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.

Abstract: Fluid collection/injection device comprises a body having a front end, a back end, and a main hollow section arranged between the front and back ends and a needle hub securing section arranged on the front end and being structured and arranged to receive therein a needle member. The fluid collection/injection device is structured and arranged to utilize at least an operational mode, an operational mode, and a post-use mode. In the installation mode, the needle member is coupled to the body via the needle hub securing section. In the operational mode, fluid passes through the needle member and into or out of a receptacle inserted into the main hollow section.

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

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of liquid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

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 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: An apparatus for lancing skin and collecting a liquid sample. The apparatus having a housing with an outer periphery and a rotatable arm having a lance to puncture the skin. A sample collection area is attached to the arm. The arm of the apparatus rotates from a first position to a second position. As the arm rotates, the lance extends beyond the housing allowing the lance to contact the user's skin and create a lance site. As the arm continues to move to the second position, the lance is brought out of contact with the user's skin and back within the housing while the collection area is brought into position. When the arm is located in the second position, the collection area is in substantially the same location as the lance site on the user's skin.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system for blood samples includes a collection tube that has a shaped nozzle adapted to fit sealably into a port connected to a centrally inserted venal catheter. A protective cover for the nozzle is attached to the collection tube and has an internal, female thread that mates to a male thread on the port. A specimen container has a hollow body, a front end and a back end. The front end has an aperture sized and shaped to attach to the collection tube. The aperture is sealable after removal of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the port is connected to the collection tube, the collection tube is connected to the specimen container and the actuating rod is pulled toward the back end, blood will flow into the container in a sterile condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a needle assembly that includes a needle that is for inserting into an insertion site of skin of a patient. A needle-coupling portion is coupled to a support element, the needle-coupling portion being configured to couple the support element to the needle assembly. A plurality of protruding members protrude from the support element, the protruding members being configured to engage the skin of the patient, and to be moveable with respect to the skin, while engaging the skin. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A plug that allows the plug body to be easily and reliably pierced through by a hollow bodily fluid collection needle, makes the bodily fluid collection needle difficult to draw back out of the plug body owing to a resilience of a sheath after the start of bodily fluid collection, and enables easy and reliable collection of the bodily fluid.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion. The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube may further include a removeable cap.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder assembly having a holder housing, collar and safety shield. The safety shield is pivotably attached to the collar. The collar is receiving within a recess defined by the annular skirt and needle receiving port of the holder housing. The collar and attached safety shield may thus be rotated about the holder housing and an attached needle assembly, thereby allowing a user to freely position the safety shield during needle insertion and preventing the dislocation of safety shield from the holder housing.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device and a fluid sampling device. In one embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, and a ridge extending around at least a portion of an outer surface. A top portion has a flange adapted to engage the ridge to couple the top portion to the base portion. In another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, a mounting portion, and a test strip coupled to the base portion at least partially within the mounting portion. In yet another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a test strip housing for receiving an end of a test strip therein. Extending from an end of the test strip housing is a blunt cannula.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device, a fluid sampling device, and an analysis device. The fluid drawing device can be used to draw bodily fluid into a sample port of an IV tube. The fluid sampling device can be used to access the sample port to obtain a fluid sample. The fluid sampling device can include a test strip housing for receiving a test strip therein. Extending from an end of the test strip housing is a blunt cannula that can be inserted into the sample port to obtain the fluid sample and communicate the fluid sample to the test strip. The test strip housing is configured to allow the one end of the test strip to be received within an analysis device to facilitate analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The application relates to a blood collection device comprising: a cannula hub (10) defining a chamber (28); an inlet cannula (12) defining an axis and having a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough, the inlet cannula being mounted to the cannula hub such that the distal end of the inlet cannula is external of the cannula hub and such that the lumen through the inlet cannula communicates with the chamber; an outlet cannula (14) having a proximal end and a lumen extending therethrough, the outlet cannula being mounted to the cannula hub such that the proximal end of the outlet cannula is external of the cannula hub and such that the lumen of the outlet cannula communicates with the chamber; a closed sleeve (34) mounted over a portion of the outlet cannula disposed externally of the cannula hub; and a venting mechanism (38) providing communication between the chamber and ambient surroundings.

Abstract: A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. In order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles, arranged in parallel, is tilted up from its initial position at a predetermined angle, and the puncture needle is guided into a puncture needle holding rod of the lancet. Simultaneously, the puncture needle is pressed up to a position where the rear end part of the needle pushes the bottom surface of a puncture needle loading chamber of the puncture needle holding rod, whereby the puncture needle is loaded. When discarding a used puncture needle, the puncture needle is inserted into a lancet guide member of the puncture needle cartridge, whereby the puncture needle is reliably captured to be discarded.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: A needle safety lock comprising a needle guard supporting member (14), and a needle guard (16) comprising an elongate member coupled to said needle guard supporting member and axially slideable with respect to the needle guard supporting member, and a cylindrical guard (20) having two open ends to enclose at least a portion of a needle; wherein the needle guard comprises a locking means to selectively secure the needle guard in a first locking position that is releasable or a second locking position that is non-releasable; and wherein when the needle guard is in the first or second locking position free axial movement of the needle guard is prevented.

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.

Abstract: A method and device for sample preparation. A capillary having adherent internal desiccated reagent is held by a housing, with one capillary end extending from the housing. A dock on the housing allows a dispense module to be docked onto the housing and dispense the contents of the capillary.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. 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 plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A safety device is presented for securely stowing a double sharp-ended needle. The device comprises a tubular adapter with a longitudinally-elongated channel. A needle holder is located in the channel to move from a distal orientation, in which one needle end projects from a distal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which both needle ends are enclosed within the adapter body. A top plate transitions from a distal orientation, in which the plate is distal from a proximal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which the top plate obstructs the proximal adapter opening. An actuator plate is attached to the adapter body to transition from a first position where the actuator plate retains the needle holder and top plate in distal orientations, and a second position where the needle holder and top plate move to proximal orientations.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An onsite analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A device for collecting oral fluid includes a mouthpiece with a fluid inlet connected to a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a collecting vessel, a venting outlet, and an access port. The venting outlet may be covered by a liquid-impervious or resistant membrane, such as a hydrophobic membrane, and the access port is suitable for removing some or all of the collected fluid. This arrangement allows a saliva donor to continuously spit saliva and blow air into the closed collection chamber, without pressure build-up in the collection chamber, and without the need for the donor to release from the device until the desired oral fluid volume is collected. A valve, including a check valve may be in the saliva flow stream and baffles and structure creating a tortuous path may be utilized to keep saliva away from the membrane.

Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

Abstract: The device comprises an injection system, which is made up of a rigid external tubular body (1) that enables it to be inserted into the abdominal cavity of a sow. This body is, in turn, covered by a sterile sleeve (2) that enables it to be used in different animals. A flexible duct (3) runs coaxially and its distal end connects with a bevelled needle (4) that permits insertion in the oviduct (12) at an angle of 45°. The proximal end of the flexible tube connects with a device (6) that includes a sheath (7) closed at the other end by a piston (8) that slides along the inside of the sheath and that enables the precision insertion of low-volume liquids.

Abstract: A device for use in a removing fluids and debris from a surgical wound and for location of nerves adjacent to the surgical wound comprises a hollow electrically conductive tube which has a lumen extending from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof. Openings are located at the distal end of the tube for suction removal of the fluid and debris. A handle located at the proximal end of the tube is provided for attachment of a second tube which is connected to a vacuum source. Also extending from or located within the handle is attachment means for connecting the conductive tube to an electrical nerve stimulation module. An electrically conductive ball is attached at the distal end of the conductive tube and distal to the openings in the tube. The openings are sized so that at least one dimension thereof is less then the diameter of the lumen to prevent the lumen from becoming clogged with debris having a size greater then the diameter of the lumen which is removed from the surgical wound.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to devices for the collection of chemical substances from substantially undisturbed natural environs for subsequent identification and quantification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood-collection device for newborn babies and infants, comprising a cannula, which is provided with a blood inlet and outlet and is located in a holder (2) that has a grip region (7). Said collection device is equipped with a bow-shaped bridging element (6) that connects the grip region to the holder.

Abstract: A protector comprising an inner tube, a lid connected to an upper opening of the inner tube through a hinge, and an outer tube for holding the inner tube in an inner cavity part of the outer tube. A blood collecting needle to which a tube is connected is stored in the inner tube. The inner tube comprises an annular seat face which seats on the base end part of a hub formed integrally with the blood collecting needle when the blood collecting needle moves downward. An operation lever extending downward is installed at the side of the lid, and an end part of the operation lever is slightly projected outward. When the blood collecting needle is moved, the inner tube is pulled integrally with the tube by the annular seat face to be slid relative to the outer tube until the end part abuts on the lower end part of an operation hole. Then, the lid is closed and the blood collecting needle is stored in the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., to the skin and/or from the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, 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, to for example, using pain scales such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for withdrawing body fluid from a body part via a withdrawal site located on the surface of the body part, with at least one sensor for detecting at least one variable dependent on the location or state of the withdrawal site, and with an evaluation unit for evaluating the at least one variable detected by the at least one sensor and for triggering a reaction, dependent on the value of the detected variable, in the system for withdrawing body fluid, said reaction serving to prepare the system for puncturing the surface of the body part, and with at least one puncturing device for creating an opening in the body at the withdrawal site. The invention further relates to an integrated analysis system, to a method for configuring a system for withdrawal of body fluid, and to a method for selecting a menu item from a menu for controlling a system for withdrawing body fluid from a body part.

Abstract: A retractable blood-sampling device comprises a housing (15), a blood-sampling needle holder (13), a blood-sampling needle and a recovery sleeve (19). There is a compressible spring (14) mounted between the blood-sampling needle holder (13) and the front end of the housing (15). There is at least a hanging arm (16) on the blood-sampling needle holder (13), and the hanging arm (16) hangs on the front end of the housing (15). When the hanging arm (16) is subjected to an inward pressure, the hanging arm (16) disengages from the housing (15), the spring (14) is released, and the blood-sampling needle holder (13) and the blood-sampling needle are retraced into the recovery sleeve (19).

Abstract: A specimen sample collection device and test system includes a handle with a sufficiency indicator and locking teeth, an absorbent pad partially contained within the handle; a pad compression tube with outlet ports and locking holes insertable over the pad and handle; one or more collection tubes attachable to the pad compression tube outlet ports. The apparatus may include a light pipe sufficiency indicator with a spring compressor to force the absorbent pad into contact with the light pipe. The apparatus may include a collector dam. The apparatus may include a secondary seal. The apparatus may include a cylindrically shaped absorbent pad and a wrap-around light pipe sufficiency indicator with vent grooves. The apparatus may include a pad seat with buffer material disposed within the pad compression tube. The apparatus may include an absorbent pad split and divided into two lengths connected at a base. The apparatus may include a bar code identification.

Abstract: A blood test device whereby a used sensor can be discarded without staining the holding part after the completion of blood measurement. In this device, a blood sensor (23), which collects blood oozing out from the punctured skin and analyzes the blood components, is held between a first holder (25a) and a second holder (25b). The second holder (25b) is provided in a movable manner along the direction of closing to and separating from the first holder (25a). By a pressing projection (20b), the second holder (25b) is moved so that the second holder (25b) is separated from the first holder (25a). At the same time, the blood sensor (23) is separated from both of the first holder (25a) and the second holder (25b) and supported by supporting claws (20c). Thus, a gap is formed between the first holder (25a) and the second holder (25b) as described above.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for collecting fluid samples from a patient, such as blood samples. The device includes a needle having a forward sharpened tip that is retracted into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The rearward end of the housing is open, forming a socket for receiving a fluid container, such as a vacuum tube, that will receive the fluid sample. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the extended position against the rearward bias of a biasing element. After use, the medical professional retracts the needle by pressing an actuation button, allowing the biasing element to displace the needle rearwardly. A guide track guides the needle during retraction, tilting the needle off-axis.