Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided with a flexible tubular body having two lumens. A solid slidable member with a sharp distal end is disposed within one of the lumens. The slidable member is capable of sliding within the lumen of the tubular body between an exposed position in which the sharp distal end of the slidable member protrudes from the distal end of the tubular body and a shielded position in which the distal end of the slidable member is within the tubular body. One advantage is that the sharp distal end of the slidable member may be withdrawn into the tubular body in order to shield a patient from unintentional cutting or irritation from the sharp distal end of the slidable member.

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 phlebotomy device includes a needle defining a lumen and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. The phlebotomy device further includes a sensor disposed at least partially within the lumen. The sensor has a first state and a second state and is configured to transition from the first state to the second state upon exposure to blood at physiological temperature.

Abstract: A device for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick projecting from the inside of the stopper of a first tubular vessel containing a solution. The bottom of the vessel has a hole sealed by a frangible barrier. When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel containing a signaling element and having a pintle projecting inwardly from its bottom, the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin projecting from the inside of a cover for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or withdrawing a substance or substances such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for withdrawing or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to withdraw blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus.

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 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 set including a non-patient needle assembly interconnected with an intravenous needle assembly through tubing is provided. The non-patient needle assembly includes a hub assembly adapted for mounting with a blood collection set, and an internal blunting member including a blunted tip. The non-patient needle assembly further includes an external cannula concentric with the internal blunting member and including a non-patient puncture tip adjacent the blunted tip. The external cannula is axially displaceable with respect to the hub assembly between a first retracted position in which the non-patient puncture tip extends beyond the blunted tip and a second activated position in which blunted tip extends beyond the non-patient puncture tip.

Abstract: A blood sampling cartridge is attachable to and removable from an attaching part of a blood test apparatus that includes a housing. The attaching part is provided in one side of the housing. The blood sampling cartridge includes a holder, a blood sensor that is attachable to one end of the holder, a lancet that is movable inside the holder, a blood collection needle attached to one end of the lancet, and a guide provided on the lancet. The guide of the lancet is configured to latch with the holder after puncturing with the blood collection needle, such that the blood collection needle is prevented from projecting beyond the blood sensor.

Abstract: Fluid collection/injection device/system includes a fluid sampling syringe having a double-ended needle arranged on a forward end and a rear end. A syringe sampling device has a forward end insertable into the rear end of the fluid sampling syringe. The forward end of the syringe sampling device being puncturable by one needle of the double-ended needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for hypothermic collection of whole blood, and components thereof, which can extend the holding time of blood beyond the current useable limit. Additionally, blood can be drawn directly into a hypothermic preservation solution without the addition of standard anticoagulants. This is enabled by providing sustained cellular viability under hypothermic conditions using a nutrient matrix devoid of animal proteins and containing energy substrates, free-radical scavengers, and impermeants that is ionically balanced for storage of biologic materials at low temperatures to prevent cellular stress-induced apoptosis.

Abstract: A test magazine with two film strips (12, 14), which are joined to one another in a sandwich-like manner, can be wound up, and between which holding cells (16) for test elements are kept free. The test magazine also comprises a multitude of test elements (18, 20) each having a puncturing unit (18) for inserting into body tissue and a test unit (20) for being subjected to body fluid. To this end, the puncturing units (18) and test units (20) are placed in separate holding cells (16) whereby separating them from one another.

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: Arrangements are provided including a fluid transport tube, or a needle, having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a lumen having an inner diameter. At least one fluid transport enhancing projection is disposed in the lumen and extends from the second end toward the first end. A discreet, wearable blood glucose monitor including such arrangements is also described.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus wherein a blood collection needle and a blood sensor can be easily attached and detached so that a burden or pain of a patient can be relieved. More specifically speaking, a blood test apparatus wherein a holder, a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor are united together as a blood sampling cartridge that is detachably mounted to the apparatus body. When this blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger involved in the apparatus body holds the lancet and connectors involved in the apparatus body come into contact with the blood sensor. It is preferable that the contact points with the blood sensor of the individual connectors are located at intervals at the same angle centering on a definite point.

Abstract: A method of using fluid aspirates as vehicles for drug delivery by collecting a fluid aspirate such as synovial joint effusion, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or ascites from a patient and centrifuging the fluid aspirate to provide a supernatant and a sedimented material. The sedimented material can optionally be further purified. One or more factors such as cytokines, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), pharmaceutical drugs and gene vectors are added to the sedimented material or supernatant, optionally also including a biologically compatible medium such as a bioabsorbable sponge, so as to provide a vehicle for the one or more factors for reintroducion into the patient.

Abstract: A blood sampling needle has a shell, a trigger seat, a needle stand, an elastic resetter and a safety switching member. The shell is provided with inner wall, retaining space, needle outlet and insertion end. A through-flange is formed into the shell. The through-flange and inner wall form a release groove with a tapered end-face. The trigger seat is mounted into the retaining space in a moveable state. The trigger seat has a control end and a rod. An axial chamber is opened on the rod so that two elastic release blades are formed on the rod, and also accommodated correspondingly into the release groove. An abutting bevel edge is formed at the bottom of the elastic release blade, and mated with the tapered end-face of the release groove in an oblique surface. The present invention saves structural members, reduces fabrication cost with better safety and applicability.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system is provided for use on a tissue site. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cartridge; a penetrating member driver; a plurality of penetrating members arranged in a radial configuration on the cartridge wherein sharpened distal tips of the penetrating members point radially outward; wherein an active one of the penetrating members may be operatively coupled to the penetrating member driver, the penetrating member driver moving the active one along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stopping in the tissue site, and withdrawing out of the tissue site; and a plurality of analyte detecting members, wherein at least one of the analyte detecting members is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the active one of the penetrating members, wherein the detecting members are not pierced by the active one of the penetrating members.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system is provided for use on a tissue site. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cartridge; a penetrating member driver; a plurality of penetrating members arranged in a radial configuration on the cartridge wherein sharpened distal tips of the penetrating members point radially outward; wherein an active one of the penetrating members may be operatively coupled to the penetrating member driver, the penetrating member driver moving the active one along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stopping in the tissue site, and withdrawing out of the tissue site; and a plurality of analyte detecting members, wherein at least one of the analyte detecting members is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the active one of the penetrating members, wherein the detecting members are not pierced by the active one of the penetrating members.

Abstract: A medical device including a barrel having an open first end and capable of supporting a needle at a second end of the barrel is provided and includes a lid releasably adhered to and overlying the open first end of the barrel in a fluid tight manner; and a pad secured to a surface of the lid such that the pad is disposed within a cavity of the barrel when the lid is adhered to the barrel, wherein the pad comprises a disinfecting solution.

Abstract: A non-reusable device for collecting bodily fluids such as vascular blood from a patient, the device being configured for example to receive a blood collection tube and having a retractable needle attached to a rearwardly biased needle holder that is constrained prior to needle retraction by a rotatably mounted lug ring and that is released during retraction by depressing a trigger pivotably connected to the body of the device to rotate the lug ring, whereby the needle holder is driven into a retraction cavity disposed inside the trigger and the front tip of the needle is retained inside the body of the device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a penetrating member is provided. The method comprises providing a lancing device comprising a penetrating member driver having a position sensor and a processor that can determine the relative position and velocity of the penetrating member based on measuring relative position of the penetrating member with respect to time; providing a predetermined velocity control trajectory based on a model of the driver and a model of tissue to be contacted. In some embodiments, a feedforward control to maintain penetrating member velocity along said trajectory.

Abstract: A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.

Abstract: A medical access device is provided including a syringe needle and a safety shield supportable on the syringe needle. The safety shield includes a pair of spaced legs each having a distal segment and a proximal segment, each of the proximal segments having a proximal end fixed with respect to the syringe needle and a distal end hingedly attached to the distal segment at a hinge member, each proximal segment including a camming surface. The safety shield also includes a nose member connected to a distal end of each distal segment of the pair of spaced legs. The safety shield also includes a trigger being movable to move the camming member into engagement with the camming surfaces of the proximal segments to effect movement of the legs between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid collection/injection device includes a body having a front end, a back end, and a main hollow section arranged between the front and back ends. A needle hub securing section is arranged on the front end and is structured and arranged to receive therein a needle member. The needle hub securing section includes a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is integrally formed with the front end and the movable part is arranged on a member that has one end which is one of fixed to a portion of the main hollow section, connected to a portion of the main hollow section via a living hinge, removably connected to a portion of the main hollow section, and integrally formed with the main hollow section.

Abstract: Provided is a device for sampling and pretreating biological fluid. It comprises: a piercing unit having at a lower portion a capillary tip which is to be inserted into skin to a predetermined depth to take biological fluid therethrough; a dropper, connected to an upper portion of the piercing unit, having an injection tube at an upper portion thereof, the injection tube communicating with the capillary tip; and a reagent container, designed to accommodate the piercing unit therein in an airtight manner so as to seal an outer circumference of the piercing unit, functioning to contain a reagent for treating the biological fluid of the capillary tip of the piercing unit. The device allows even a novice to sample and pre treat biological fluid with high accuracy without the use of expensive precision devices. The device employs fewer expendable supplies, thus providing higher convenience for the user.

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: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the to extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: A puncture device includes a piston, wherein the needle is to be attached to a distal end of the piston; a drive spring which has one end capable of contacting a proximal end of the piston, and moves the piston in a specific direction toward the skin; and a first contact section including a contact surface capable of contacting other end of the drive spring. A length between a supposed strike position and the contact surface of the first contact section is longer than a total of a natural length of the drive spring and a length between the proximal end of the piston and a tip end of the needle, wherein the supposed strike position is where the tip end of the needle is supposed to strike against the skin.

Abstract: A puncture device which punctures a skin of a subject for extracting a tissue fluid from a puncture site of the subject. The puncture device included a timer; a notifying section which notifies a user that specific time measured by the time has passed; a puncture mechanism which punctuates the skin; and an interlock mechanism which caused the timer to start time measurement in conjunction with a punctuate action by the puncture mechanism.

Abstract: An improved suction apparatus, which may be used by health care providers, emergency medical teams, or a corpsmen, to remove debris, fluid and other foreign matter from the airways and/or wounds of injured persons. The suction apparatus which includes: a venturi tube having a forward end, a rear end and an inlet, a valve located on the top rear end portion of the venturi tube, a body for housing at least one can of propellant or compressed gas, an airtight cap, and a trigger mechanism. The improved suction apparatus that forces the propellant passed the inlet of the venturi tube, wherein the inlet is located toward the distal end of the cap.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of the fluid.

Abstract: A disposable blood sampling device is disclosed herein, which includes a plunger, a rubber stopper, a barrel, a sealing member, a needle holder, a protection sleeve, an anticoagulant storing tube and a needle sheath. In use, the disposable blood sampling device is deconstructed by removing each component therefrom and is unable to be assembled again for recycling. Furthermore, the needle can be hidden in the protection sleeve before it is detached from the blood sampling device, which effectively prevents a medical operator from being hurt or even infected by the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula, preferably equipped with a cannula holder for, in particular a blood sampling device, which comprises a pivotable protective housing (102) for a free end of the cannula. Said protective housing (102) is closed on the periphery except for a cannula insertion opening (8) provided between opposing side walls. Said insertion opening is produced by at least one pair of lamella (8a, 8b), formed on the side walls, the lamella tapering towards one another in the manner of a funnel and forming an expandable funnel slot. The protective housing (102) comprises two housing parts which can be inserted into each other. The inner housing (2a) comprises the pair of lamella (8a, 8b) and an outer housing (11), which surrounds the inner housing (2a), is embodied as a sleeve that is less elastic than the inner housing (2a).

Abstract: A method for using a packaging material for a medical instrument set, the medical instrument set being housed in said packaging material and assembled from a plurality of medical instruments. The packaging material includes a packaging material body having an opening therein and a lid that closes the opening and holds or fastens, on an inside portion thereof, a blood collecting needle. The method includes an opening operation for peeling off the lid to expose the opening to an outside environment while letting the blood collecting needle through the opening, and then taking the blood collecting needle out from the packaging material body; a preparation operation for removing the blood collecting needle from the lid; and a blood collecting operation for collecting blood by using the blood collecting needle in a stage where the blood-processing part is housed in the packaging material body.

Abstract: A device operable to extract a sample of body fluid, the device including at least one skin-penetration member, an actuator, a controller, and a housing mounting the at least one skin-penetration member for extension from the device. Another device for extracting body fluid includes at least one skin-penetration member having an inner bore and an outer diameter, and at least one axially moveable hollow tubular member disposed in the inner bore. Yet another device includes at least one skin-penetration member, an actuator, a controller, a housing mounting the at least one skin-penetration member, and a skin sensor measuring electrical parameters transmitted through the at least one skin-penetration member. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a component measuring instrument with which a predetermined component in blood can be measured securely and in a short time. The component measuring instrument, which is used by mounting therein a chip having a puncture needle, includes: a specimen sampling portion application portion to which a specimen sampling portion to be punctured is applied; a puncturer for moving the puncture needle; pressure reducer for putting the punctured portion of the specimen sampling portion punctured by the puncture needle, together with a containing space for the puncture needle, into a reduced-pressure condition; measurer for measuring the amount of a predetermined component in the blood sampled from the punctured portion; and a chip retracting mechanism for moving the chip in a direction away from the specimen sampling portion while maintaining the reduced-pressure condition generated by the pressure reducer.

Abstract: An hole-opening implement (5 or 50) for opening a hole in a soft material (2) has a first cutting part and a second cutting part. To pierce the soft material with the hole-opening implement, both cutting parts advances in the soft material while cutting the soft material. Such a state that the second cutting part remains in the soft material just after the first cutting part is passed through the soft material is assured so that a cut piece as bound to the soft material can remain after the opening. The first cutting part is formed at a tip of the hole-opening implement, and the second cutting part is disposed behind the first cutting part in the piercing direction of the hole-opening implement. Otherwise, the hole-opening implement may be constructed so that the first cutting part is sharp in section and the second cutting part is formed so as to have lower cutting force than the first cutting part.

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: A piercing device and a blood inspection device that have increased safety. The piercing device (111) has a piercing button (113) placed on the front surface of a first case (112a), a base (114) being a piecing opening provided projecting from the front surface of the first case (112a), and a laser emission device (115) received in the first case (112a). First safety means (117) prevents emission of a laser beam (115a) to the outside when the first case (112a) and a second case (112b) are superposed on each other. When the base (114) is depressed after the second case (112b) is moved from the superposed state where the second case (112b) is superposed on the first case (112a) to a non-superposed state where the second case (112b) is not, a switch (114b) detects the depression of the base (114) and second safety means (118) to enable depression of the piercing button (113).

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: A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.

Abstract: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter, the handle having a bore, the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore. A protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press-fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter, the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening. A hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter, the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter. The distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the expression of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include devices which bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly toward the incision. Systems utilize a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member. The present invention further encompasses combinations of the foregoing expression systems with each other, as well as with other expression devices known in the art. Moreover, the invention includes the combination of the expression systems with incising, sampling and/or testing systems, particularly in a single, integrated device. The present invention also contemplates the associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision, including in combination with methods for incising, sampling and/or testing of the bodily fluid.

Abstract: A blood collection set including a non-patient needle assembly interconnected with an intravenous needle assembly through tubing is provided. The non-patient needle assembly includes a hub assembly adapted for mounting with a blood collection set, and an internal blunting member including a blunted tip. The non-patient needle assembly further includes an external cannula concentric with the internal blunting member and including a non-patient puncture tip adjacent the blunted tip. The external cannula is axially displaceable with respect to the hub assembly between a first retracted position in which the non-patient puncture tip extends beyond the blunted tip and a second activated position in which blunted tip extends beyond the non-patient puncture tip.

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 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.