Device for preventing needle reuse and injury, syringe, and method

A device for preventing needle reuse and injury, comprising:

• a metal needle defining an inlet and an outlet;
• first means for mounting the metal needle thereon and releasably connecting the device to a syringe;
• second means movable relative to the first means from (i) a first position for enclosing the metal needle and preventing needle injury;
• (ii) to a second position for allowing at least a portion of the metal needle to pass through a distal portion of the second means and penetrate tissue underlying or in contact therewith;
• and (iii) to a third position enclosing the metal needle and locking the first and second means in the third position for preventing needle reuse and injury;
• and
• third means in fluid communication with the outlet of the metal needle for allowing liquid flow therethrough in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet of the needle and substantially preventing liquid flow therethrough in a direction from the outlet toward the inlet of the needle and for preventing any liquid within the needle from flowing through the needle inlet and outside the device.

A method comprising:

• (i) placing a distal end portion of a needle enclosure in a first position against a subject's skin wherein a metal needle is received within and enclosed by the needle enclosure to prevent needle injury;
• (ii) pushing the needle against the bias of a first spring from the first position to a second position wherein the metal needle extends through a distal end portion of the needle enclosure and penetrates skin or tissue underlying or in contact with the distal end portion of the needle enclosure;
• (iii) injecting a dose of substance through a one-way valve in fluid communication with the needle, through the needle and into the skin or tissue;
• (iv) withdrawing the needle from the skin and allowing the needle enclosure to move under the bias of the spring from the second position to a third position wherein the metal needle is received within and enclosed by the needle enclosure, and the needle enclosure and body are locked in the third position to prevent needle reuse and injury;
• and
• (v) substantially preventing liquid flow through the one-way valve in a direction from an outlet toward an inlet of the needle and preventing liquid in the needle from flowing through the needle inlet and outside the device.