Blood collection devices, systems, and methods facilitating blood flashback

A catheter system, comprising:

• a catheter assembly, comprising:
• a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end;
• and
• a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;
• and
• a needle assembly, comprising:
• a needle hub;
• a needle, comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the needle is secured within the needle hub;
• an inner barrel surrounding the needle hub, wherein the needle hub is secured within the inner barrel, wherein the inner barrel comprises a first hole, wherein the needle hub is separately formed from the inner barrel and inserted into the inner barrel;
• a middle barrel surrounding the inner barrel, wherein the middle barrel comprises a second hole aligned with the first hole, wherein the needle hub comprises a pocket aligned with the first hole and the second hole, wherein the proximal end of the needle is disposed within the pocket;
• an outer barrel surrounding the middle barrel;
• and
• a flashback pathway comprising the pocket, the first hole, and the second hole and extending between an outer surface of the middle barrel and an inner surface of the outer barrel.