Vented phlebotomy needle with flashback chamber
First Claim
1. A phlebotomy needle comprising:
- a distal needle portion having a sharpened distal end configured to pierce tissue, a proximal needle portion having a sharpened proximal end configured to pierce a stopper of a blood collection tube, and a central needle portion defining an opening, the distal needle portion, the proximal needle portion and the central needle portion defining a fluid channel which communicates with the opening; and
a material positioned adjacent the opening, the material being of a type to permit passage of air through the opening to exit the fluid channel while preventing passage of blood, the material further enabling a visual indication of blood flow.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A phlebotomy needle is disclosed which includes structure to facilitate visualization of flashback. In one embodiment, a central portion of the needle includes a hole or opening which communicates with a flow channel defined by the needle and a transparent housing is positioned about the opening to facilitate visualization of blood flow through the needle. A material which allows passage of air and provides an indication of blood flow through the needle is positioned over the opening. In one embodiment, the material is in the form of a plug or, alternately, in the form of a patch or collar. The material can be encased in or provide a window in the transparent housing. In another embodiment, the phlebotomy needle includes a needle and a housing having a passive vent and a viewing region for visualizing blood flow in the housing.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A phlebotomy needle comprising:
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a distal needle portion having a sharpened distal end configured to pierce tissue, a proximal needle portion having a sharpened proximal end configured to pierce a stopper of a blood collection tube, and a central needle portion defining an opening, the distal needle portion, the proximal needle portion and the central needle portion defining a fluid channel which communicates with the opening; and a material positioned adjacent the opening, the material being of a type to permit passage of air through the opening to exit the fluid channel while preventing passage of blood, the material further enabling a visual indication of blood flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A phlebotomy needle comprising:
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a distal needle portion having a sharpened distal end configured to pierce tissue, a proximal needle portion having a sharpened proximal end configured to pierce a stopper of a blood collection tube and a central needle portion defining an opening, the distal needle portion, the proximal needle portion and the central needle portion defining a fluid channel which communicates with the opening; a hydrophobic material positioned adjacent the opening, the material being of a type to permit passage of air through the opening to exit the fluid channel while preventing passage of blood, the material further enabling a visual indication of blood flow; a transparent housing positioned about the opening; and engagement structure supported on the phlebotomy needle, the engagement structure being configured to engage a needle holder. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A phlebotomy needle comprising:
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a distal needle portion having a sharpened distal end configured to pierce tissue, a proximal needle portion having a sharpened proximal end configured to pierce a stopper of a blood collection tube and a central needle portion defining an opening, the distal needle portion, the proximal needle portion and the central needle portion defining a fluid channel which communicates with the opening; a hydrophilic wicking material positioned adjacent the opening, the hydrophilic wicking material being of a type to permit passage of air through the opening to exit the fluid channel while preventing passage of blood, the material further enabling a visual indication of blood flow; a transparent housing positioned about the opening; and engagement structure supported on the phlebotomy needle, the engagement structure being configured to engage a needle holder. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A phlebotomy needle comprising:
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a needle including a distal needle portion having a sharpened distal end configured to pierce tissue and a proximal needle portion having a sharpened proximal end configured to pierce a stopper of a blood collection tube, the distal needle portion and the proximal needle portion defining a fluid channel; and a housing supported on the needle, the housing including a passive vent; wherein the housing defines a viewing region for visualizing blood in the housing. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification