US 5,507,299 A · Multi-vial blood collection system

Abstract

A blood collection system is provided for collecting multiple samples of blood into evacuated vials from a single needle insertion site, and comprises a capillary tube system which acts as a regulator so that samples of blood can be collected at a controlled rate, thereby reducing the risk of vein collapse or other patient trauma. The capillary tube system includes a flexible catheter which mounts an intravenous cannula which can be positioned within a blood vessel from which is drawn the blood sample. A plurality of fittings are located along the length of the capillary tube system, and define openings for interfitting needles, which lie within a series of bores that extend axially from the blood collection system. Samples of blood are taken by inserting covered, evacuated vials into the bores of the blood collection system until a needle pierces the cover of a vial. A blood sample drawn from the patient will flow through the flexible catheter and into the capillary tube system and through the attached needles, and is collected into the multiple evacuated vials, while requiring only a single needle insertion into a patient.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A blood collection system for simultaneously collecting multiple samples of blood into collection tubes from a single insertion site of a patient including a site insertion needle and connecting catheter, comprising:

a.) capillary blood collection tubes defining a plurality of capillary tube segments;
b.) a plurality of fittings connected to the tube segments, for engaging and securing an evacuated blood collection vial;
c.) a needle extending from each fitting and adapted to engage and pierce a blood collection vial;
d.) a plastic sheet encasing and providing structural support for the capillary blood collection tubes;
e.) a site insertion needle and connecting catheter connected to the capillary blood collection tubes;
and,
f.) protection plates for closure and support of the capillary blood collection tubes, the protection plates upon closure defining bores for covering the fittings and needles, and upon opening, the capillary blood collection tubes are removable from between the protection plates;
whereby:
i. when the protection plates are closed and the insertion site of a patient is pierced by the site insertion needle, blood will flow from the site insertion needle and catheter to the capillary tube blood collection system and into a blood collection vial;
ii. vials filled with blood are removable from the fittings;
and,
iii. the capillary blood collection tubes and extending needles are encased in the plastic sheet, and the site insertion needle and attached catheter are removable from between the protection plates.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-vial blood collection system

Life of this patent

Multi-vial blood collection system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15