Fluid collection device with protective shield

A fluid collection device comprising:

• a receptacle having a closed distal end, an open proximal end and an internal cavity defined therebetween, wherein said receptacle distal end includes an aperture in communication with said receptacle internal cavity and is configured to receive and retain a vacuum needle;
• said receptacle including at least one engaging tab and at least one locking tab protruding from an exterior surface of said receptacle at axially spaced locations, wherein said engaging tab includes an inclined surface increasing in radial distance from an exterior surface of said receptacle and extending in an axial direction to terminate at an engaging edge facing said receptacle proximal end, and said locking tab is located between said engaging tab and said receptacle proximal end and includes an inclined surface increasing in radial distance from said receptacle exterior surface and extending in an axial direction to terminate at a locking edge facing said receptacle distal end;
• and
• a shield having a closed distal end, an open proximal end and an internal cavity defined therebetween, wherein said shield internal cavity is dimensioned to telescopically receive at least a portion of said receptacle and said shield distal end includes an aperture in communication with said shield internal cavity and aligned with said receptacle aperture to allow passage of said vacuum needle retained by said receptacle into and out of said shield internal cavity;
• said shield including at least one slot and at least one barrier defined along an interior surface of said shield, wherein said slot is configured to fully receive and hold said engaging tab when said receptacle is axially displaced within said shield cavity toward said shield proximal end, and said barrier is located between said slot and said shield proximal end and configured to engage said locking edge of said locking tab when said engaging tab is fully received and held in said slot.