A blood collection tube holder having a retractable single needle and a body comprising substantially parallel and laterally spaced apart barrel and needle retraction cavities separated by a partial wall that facilitates lateral movement of the single needle from the barrel cavity into alignment with the needle retraction cavity to initiate needle retraction. The barrel and a frontal attachment to the barrel are cooperatively configured to facilitate relative sliding movement between in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis through the retractable single needle to initiate needle retraction.

A fluid collection assembly and method for use thereof is provided including a barrel with a plunger rod slidably inserted is disclosed. The assembly and method are particularly useful in the collection of arterial blood. The plunger rod includes a proximal portion, a distal portion with a stopper, and a breakable connector between the proximal and distal portions. In use, the assembly is primed with a liquid anticoagulant, the breakable connection is broken, and a fluid sample is collected with the arterial pressure causing the distal portion of the plunger rod to travel in a proximal direction along the barrel and contact an annular flange extending within the barrel. After collection, a tip cap can be applied to the assembly to prevent any spillage of the fluid sample during handling, storage, and transportation.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for the collection of bodily fluids involving a single-use actuation and retraction mechanism disposed within a collector.