A capillary chamber for performing chemical and physical analysis using a plurality of whole blood samples is presented. Following a loading of the whole blood samples into a plastic tube, the whole blood samples are distributed into a collection chamber and the capillary chamber has means of adding respective vaccines or similar biological products into each capillary tubes. The whole blood is then analyzed using standard microscopic techniques with sufficient resolution and contrast to record the chemical and physical properties of the blood immediately after withdrawal.

A pressure based vessel locating system including a pressure based vessel locator device coupled to a needle or catheter. The pressure based vessel locator device can include a proximal end having an air permeable membrane, and a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber can be separated from a second chamber by an interior wall. Each of the first chamber and the second chamber include a proximal opening and a chamber opening having a pressure activated valve disposed therein. The pressure based vessel locator device can further include an air permeable membrane configured to cover proximal openings of the first chamber and the second chamber. Each of the chambers include a window enabling a user to observe the contents of each chamber. A method of identifying a blood vessel includes visually inspecting each chamber for the presence or absence of blood therein.

An integrated intravenous catheter including a catheter adapter having a catheter and an inlet, the catheter configured to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, as well as a needle free connector. The needle free connector includes first port, a second port positioned opposite the first port, and a side port positioned between the first port and the second port. The needle free connector further includes a main cavity portion having a tapered sidewall and a distal taper portion, wherein the tapered sidewall gradually narrows in a direction of the distal taper portion. The integrated intravenous catheter also includes intermediate tubing extending between the inlet of the catheter adapter and the first port of the needle free connector, and extension tubing extending from the side port of the needle free connector.

An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.

A tissue penetrating system has a housing member, a plurality of penetrating members positioned in the housing member and a plurality of sample chambers. Each sample chamber is associated with a penetrating member. A tissue stabilizing member has a tissue interface surface configured to be applied to a tissue surface and provide for spontaneous flow of blood for sample capture. The tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing.

A device for collecting a blood sample is provided. The device includes a collection unit, at least one capillary tube, a vacuum connector, and a storage unit. The collection unit has a top window for receiving the blood sample, a top surface, and a channel communicated with the top window. The at least one capillary tube is disposed in the collection unit and has a top end adjacent to the top window of the collection unit. The vacuum connector extends from the collection unit and communicates with the channel to provide a negative pressure by removing air in the channel. The storage unit is disposed under the collection unit for storing the blood sample.

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed. In some cases, the device itself may be shipped or analyzed. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the device may be sealed such that the substrate is contained within an airtight portion of the device, optionally containing desiccant. Other aspects are generally directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like.

A syringe-based device includes a housing, the housing including a port, and an actuator mechanism including a first member and a second member configured to be movably disposed within the housing. The first member includes a syringe body and a plunger movably disposed within the syringe body and including a first plunger seal. The second member includes a second plunger seal defining a channel and a valve fluidically coupled with the channel of the second plunger seal. The device also includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir. The device transitions from a first configuration to a second configuration in which a first type of fluid in the first fluid reservoir is delivered through a port, to a third configuration in which a second type of fluid within the second fluid reservoir is delivered through the port.

A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway. A valve member with sealing rings helps preclude undesired accumulation of fluid within the connector. A branched connector includes a fluid diverter extending away from a port of the branched connector. The fluid diverter is configured to divert fluid flowing through the branched connector and into a medical connector attached thereto, flushing a distal portion of the medical connector.

Apparatus and methods pertaining to catheters used for the withdrawal of blood.