Abstract: A lancet carrier for an integrated lancet sensor assembly incorporating a lance cover includes an elongated body with a bottom, an open top, a body open end and a body closed end, a lancet-receiving recess with a recess bottom surface, the recess extending between the open end and the closed end, and a trough-forming member forming a trough with a trough open end in communication with the body open end, the trough-forming member longitudinally extending a predefined distance along the bottom from the body open end, the trough replacing a portion of the recess bottom surface at the body open end.

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: An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum blood collection tube (100) comprises a bottomed tube (101) composed of a low temperature resistant material that is less susceptible to low temperature fracture when cryopreserved at ultra-low temperature, a stopper (102) having a needle piercing portion (113) composed of a rubber material that can be pierced with a blood collection needle (110), and a cryopreservation cap (103) composed of the low temperature resistant material. Before blood collection, the stopper (102) is attached to the bottomed tube (101) to maintain the reduced pressure state inside the bottomed tube (101). Thus, blood collection by a vacuum blood collection method is possible. After blood collection, the cryopreservation cap (103) is attached to the bottomed tube (101), so that the liquid tight state of the bottomed tube (101) is maintained, and cryopreservation at ultra-low temperature as it is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, device kits, and systems for improved quantification of mRNA from whole blood. More particularly, the devices and kites related thereto are useful for the controlled and repeatable ex vivo stimulation of whole blood.

Abstract: Sensor apparatus (1) for determining at least one biochemical function of a fluid (F) with at least one magnetoelastic capillary tube (2) through which the fluid (F) is conveyed, wherein a resonant frequency (fR) of the magnetoelastic capillary tube (2), which depends on a surface loading of the inner wall of the magnetoelastic capillary tube (2) by the fluid (F) conveyed through the tube is able to be read out in a non-contact manner for determining the biochemical function of the fluid (F).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for withdrawing blood, the vessel containing a solution which comprises a guanidinium salt, a buffer substance, a reducing agent, and/or a detergent as components. The vessel is particularly suited for withdrawing blood which is to be analyzed with respect to nucleic acids.

Abstract: A vacuum blood collection tube which includes a tubular body with a bottom having inner spaces with a prescribed capacity and a plug body which hermetically seals an open end of the tubular body to maintain the inner spaces at a prescribed reduced pressure, wherein blood is collected into the inner spaces of the tubular body by differential pressure between the blood pressure and the pressure of the inner spaces via a hollow blood collection needle one end of which is punctured into a blood vessel and the other end of which is punctured into the plug body, the inner space is divided into a plurality of inner spaces by partitioning the inner space of the tubular body, each of the inner spaces has a prescribed capacity and maintains a prescribed reduced pressure depending on a purpose of each blood test, and the blood with an amount depending on the purposes of the various blood tests is collected in each of the inner spaces through the blood collection needle punctured into the blood vessel.

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: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

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: 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 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: This invention is a device which can be used to obtain a sample of blood from a person or animal. It incorporates parts of two existing devices (syringes and Vacutainers) into one device in a new configuration, and it reduces or eliminates some of the disadvantages of each of these two existing devices. Unlike the typical use of a syringe, a sample of blood is transferred directly from the blood vessel of a person or animal to the test tube or similar container that is sent to a laboratory for testing. Unlike a Vacutainer, the differential pressure between the two ends of a hypodermic needle can be controlled while the device is being used.

Abstract: A collection container and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes at least one stabilizing agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit protein degradation and/or fragmentation. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize proteases in the biological sample, particularly at the point of collection, by inhibiting protein degradation and/or fragmentation in the sample when the sample is stored. The stabilizing agent includes one or more protease inhibitors.

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: 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 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: The present invention provides a percutaneous absorption system and a percutaneous absorption method, which have a simple constitution and can realize the easy and continuous percutaneous absorption of medicine even when the medicine is formed of a water-soluble oligomer solution or a high-molecular solution. In the percutaneous absorption system comprising a medicine reservoir portion having a medicine holding portion which holds medicine therein and a support portion for supporting the medicine reservoir portion, the support portion including an adhesive layer and a substrate having medicine non-permeating property, the system is provided with an elastic member for applying pressure to the medicine held in the inside of the medicine reservoir portion, and by breaking the substrate having medicine non-permeating property in the support portion using a mechanical stimulus such as an injection needle or the like, the medicine is released (delivered) at a fixed rate.

Abstract: A collection container and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes at least one stabilizing agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit protein degradation and/or fragmentation. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize proteases in the biological sample, particularly at the point of collection, by inhibiting protein degradation and/or fragmentation in the sample when the sample is stored. The stabilizing agent comprises or consists of one or more protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A urine sample is taken by providing to the person a container having a removable cap with an initially unbroken elastomeric septum puncturable by a blunt tipped pipette and self-resealing following withdrawal of the pipette from the septum. The urine specimen is deposited in the container and the cap replaced. The container with the specimen is conveyed to a laboratory location for analysis where the septum is punctured by manually pressing the blunt tip of a plastic pipette against the septum with sufficient force to puncture through the septum and into the container with the tip. A sample of the urine specimen is drawn into the pipette and the pipette tip withdrawn to allow the septum to self-reseal, such that the urine specimen is sampled for analysis without reopening the container cap following replacement of the cap at the specimen collection site.

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 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: 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: An improved medication dispensing device includes an apyrexia receptacle, a transport pipeline, a perfusion device, a filter, and a dispensing needle, which operates in an environment in compliance with Class 100 laminar air ventilation. The perfusion device erected at the middle of the transport pipeline which has two ends linking to the apyrexia receptacle and the filter, respectively. In operation, the perfusion device pumps the prepared medication solution from the apyrexia receptacle to get through the filter to remove particles and bacterium, and a thin tubular dispensing needle which punctures the rubber plug of an aseptic bottle. An axial groove rendered in middle section of the dispensing needle forms a pressurized seal part with the rubber plug resiliently wrapped around at the middle of the dispensing needle to discharge redundant air pressure accumulating in the aseptic bottle while keeps outside air from entering.

Abstract: A holder for receiving a sampling tube of a blood sampling system is disclosed. The holder has an interior pocket which can be conformed from a closed position to an open position for receiving the sampling tube.

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: The invention includes a bag system for collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood. The system includes a device for collecting the fluid which is in fluid communication with at least one fluid collection bag, and a device for sampling the fluid to be collected which includes at least one sampling receptacle. The sampling device includes a device for transferring the fluid from the bag system into the sampling receptacle or receptacles, in which the transfer device is provided with a device for associating the receptacle or receptacles. The transfer device may be arranged to allow the support of the receptacle or receptacles in a standby position, the guidance of the receptacle or receptacles to a transfer position and, after transfer, the dissociation of the receptacle or receptacles from the bag system.

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 blood collection device comprises an open ended syringe like housing into which a vacutainer can be inserted. The front of the device contains a needle holder and a double ended needle. The needle holder is attached to the device in a special manner that enables the needle holder to be decoupled and retracted into the device but only after the vacutainer has been removed and a separate needle retraction device has been inserted into the open end of the housing and pushed against the inner end of the needle holder. The needle retraction device comprises a hollow body which is under vacuum and which has an open end closed by a piston. The piston is of a special design that functions to decouple the needle holder from the blood collection device and to lock to the needle holder and at the same time to be decoupled from the hollow body the result of which is that the piston containing the needle holder and the attached contaminated needle is sucked back into the hollow body to render the needle safe.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a container interior. The container has a removable closure for enclosing the open end of the housing and a sample holder for housing a biological sample detachably connected to the closure and insertable within the container interior. A port is disposed within the closure adjacent the sample holder to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the container interior. An injection device for engaging the port may also be provided. A first fluid may be initially provided within the container interior and a second fluid may be subsequently injected by the injection device through the port into the container interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device (1) with a holding container (2) for a holding vessel, in particular a blood sample collecting tube, in which the holding container (2) surrounds a holding chamber (7) with a container wall (6), and in the direction of a longitudinal axis (8) comprises a proximal and a distal end (9, 10) spaced part from one another, with a needle holder (4) for a needle arrangement (14) that can be attached thereto, with a first adjusting device (15) for the needle holder (4) and with a cover element (3) for the needle arrangement (14) mountable on the needle holder (4) in the disposal position of the needle holder (4).

Abstract: Blood collecting devices for collecting blood from a patient using a single needle insertion are disclosed. Each blood collecting device typically includes a housing which is removably attached to a test tube or blood reservoir. A blood flow tube is disposed in fluid communication with the housing for distributing blood from a patient into the test tube or blood reservoir. The blood is distributed through a membrane cavity having a liquid-impervious and air-permeable membrane. At least one air opening is provided in the housing at the membrane cavity. Accordingly, air in the test tube or blood reservoir is displaced by the incoming blood through the membrane cavity and membrane and out the air opening or openings. Vacuum pressure in the test tube or blood reservoir is dispelled by the flow of air through the air opening or openings, membrane cavity and membrane and into the test tube or blood reservoir, respectively.

Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.

Abstract: An article includes a microfluidic channel for moving fluid therethrough and at least one microfluidic actuator coupled to the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic actuator includes a deformable substance configured to enter the microfluidic channel to control fluid flow through the microfluidic channel. A method includes applying pressure to a deformable substance of a microfluidic actuator coupled to a microfluidic channel, such that the deformable substance of the microfluidic actuator enters the microfluidic channel. Another method includes inserting a needle into a microfluidic channel, applying pressure to a deformable substance of a microfluidic actuator coupled to the microfluidic channel, such that the deformable substance of the microfluidic actuator enters the microfluidic channel to form a seal around the needle, and injecting or extracting a fluid through the needle.

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 skin penetrating system includes a housing member and a penetrating member positioned in the housing member. An analyte detecting member is coupled to a sample chamber. The analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A tip of the penetrating member is configured to extend through an opening of the sample chamber.

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 mL of the fluid.

Abstract: A blood-drawing device has a specimen tube having a projecting tip having an outer connection region of a predetermined diameter and a guide sleeve fittable over the tip and having an inner resilient part. The inner resilient part has an inside diameter smaller than the diameter of the connection region. A needle fitted to the guide sleeve is surrounded by an elastomeric tubular needle shield inward from the guide sleeve. The sleeve can move between an outer position with the needle shield extending inward past the inner needle end and the resilient part offset outward from the connection region and an inner position with the needle end in the specimen tube, the needle shield compressed between the sleeve and the specimen tube, and the resilient part fitting tightly around the connection region and deformed outwardly thereby such that the resilient part grips the connection region.

Abstract: A specimen trap including a container forming a chamber. A strainer is fixedly positioned within the chamber and defines an upper portion of the chamber and a lower portion of the chamber. The strainer has a porous surface that provides fluidic communication between the upper portion and the lower portion. One tube connection is mounted to the cap and forms a passage through the cap and another tube extends through the cap and through the strainer into the lower portion. The cap is rotatable with respect to the container to form communication between one of the specimen compartments and the one tube connection passage for collection of an independent specimen.

Abstract: A cannula retractable medical collection device includes a cannula mount inserted into and axially slidable relative to a rear larger-diameter wall portion of a barrel, a double-ended needle cannula including a rear needle segment extending into an accommodation chamber in the cannula mount for pricking a stopper of a collection vial, and a front needle segment secured to the cannula mount by a needle hub. The front needle segment extends outwardly of the barrel in a position of use, and retreats inwardly and rearwardly of the barrel in a disposal position when the cannula mount is in the front and rear positions, respectively. A releasably retaining member includes a retaining hole formed in the larger-diameter wall portion, and a radially extending engaging peg engageable in the hole. An actuator is operable to disengage the peg from the hole so as to permit axial movement of the cannula mount.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe for preventing anemia resulting from withdrawal of blood from a patient for analysis, the syringe including a cylindrical tube having a nozzle at its lower end to which a needle is attachable; a piston disposed within the tube and apiston handle protruding from the upper end of hte tube; the syringe being further adapted to a be placed in a centrifuge for separating blood drawn from the patient into supernatant plasma component and a packed-cells component, and further comprising means for separating or removing at least a portion of teh plasma, thereby facilitating the injection of the packed-cells back into the patient The invention also provides a method for preventing anemia resulting from the withdrawal of blood from a patient for analysis.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method of fluid specimen collection comprises the steps of: preparing a site for puncture using an antiseptic; piercing the prepared puncture site using a fluid collection needle; collecting a first body fluid specimen using a device for collecting the first body fluid specimen; collecting a second body fluid specimen using a device for collecting the second body fluid specimen and; selecting the second body fluid specimen for a diagnostic test of a kind that detects the presence of organisms in the second body fluid specimen.

Abstract: The connecting end of the hypodermic needle is so designed that it can be attached to and then disconnected from the tip of an injection instrument by pressure, that is, an axial tractional force exerted between the said needle and the said injection instrument. The extraction device has an opening delimited by locking elements forming one piece with elastic pieces so as to allow its diameter to vary between a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter at least equal to the diameter of the said connecting end and at least one piece associated with the said locking elements for the purpose of converting an axial force exerted on the said piece into at least one radial component capable of being applied to the said elastic pieces so as to deform them radially in order to increase the diameter of the said opening when axial pressure is exerted by the said connecting end.

Abstract: The connecting end of this storage container for at least one hypodermic needle has connectors complementary to the connectors on the tip of an injection instrument, one of the connectors having radial elasticity and devices for converting an axial force exerted between the needle and the injection instrument into at least one radial component which can deform the elastic connectors. The container has a housing fore the needle designed to hold this needle in a given position and an opening giving access to the housing. The shape and dimensions of the exterior wall bounding the housing are selected to create with the needle an ergonomic positioning and/or handling interface so as to facilitate the connection of the complementary connectors of the needle and the tip, respectively.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly which is adapted for blunting of both an intravenous puncture tip and a non-patient puncture tip is provided. The needle assembly includes a cannula having a first end with an intravenous puncture tip and a second end with a non-patient puncture tip, and a blunting member in concentric relation with the cannula which includes a first blunt end proximate the intravenous puncture tip of the cannula and a second blunt end proximate the non-patient puncture tip of the cannula. An actuator is in engagement with the blunting member and the cannula. Activation of the actuator causes blunting of the intravenous puncture tip and the non-patient puncture tip by the blunting member. The needle assembly is particularly useful in connection with a blood collection system.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for withdrawing blood, the vessel containing a solution which comprises a guanidinium salt, a buffer substance, a reducing agent, and/or a detergent as components. The vessel is particularly suited for withdrawing blood which is to be analyzed with respect to nucleic acids.