Apparatuses and methods of using them to collect blood, are provided, by first ensuring that the patient's skin is properly cleaned, to prevent contamination of the collected blood. One feature is a blood collection device configured to collect blood from a patient. Another feature is a scrub timer integrated into the device and configured to indicate to a user a scrub time period prior to beginning a blood draw process. The scrub timer can be configured to audibly and/or visually indicate to a user the start and stop times of a scrub cleaning process. In one embodiment, the scrub timer can be restarted, either manually or automatically, if the scrub cleaning process is not followed properly.

Apparatuses and methods of using them to collect blood, are provided, by first ensuring that the patient's skin is properly cleaned, to prevent contamination of the collected blood. One feature is a blood collection device configured to collect blood from a patient. Another feature is a scrub timer integrated into the device and configured to indicate to a user a scrub time period prior to beginning a blood draw process. The scrub timer can be configured to audibly and/or visually indicate to a user the start and stop times of a scrub cleaning process. In one embodiment, the scrub timer can be restarted, either manually or automatically, if the scrub cleaning process is not followed properly.

A fluid handling device includes a receiving container with a piston arranged therein in a displaceable manner, such that the volume of a fluid receiving reservoir may be changed by a displacement of the piston. In addition, the fluid handling device includes an actuation mechanism configured to displace a carrier bearing upon actuation of the former. Finally, the fluid handling device includes a spring mechanism configured to transfer a force from the carrier bearing to the piston so as to effect, in response to displacement of the carrier bearing in a first direction, a displacement of the piston within the receiving container such that a volume of the fluid reservoir is increased.

A lancet device used for drawing a blood sample for testing has a lancet, a lancet holding mechanism, a lancet activation plunger, and a removable lancet cap with an opening for touching against the human body. The lancet has a needle, where the needle is movable inside the cap with the lancet activation plunger. The lancet device has positioned inside the device, a disinfectant material, disinfecting the lancet needle for each use. The disinfectant material lets the needle move or rest inside the disinfectant material disinfecting the needle between each use. The lancet needle moves through the disinfectant material when used, disinfecting the needle for each use.

A device for introducing at least one antimicrobial in an exposed region of a user's skin caused while accessing interstitial fluid includes a substrate having thereon at least one electrically controllable microheating element including at least a microheater portion with multiple electrodes connected to the microheater portion for forming a micropore in the user's skin. A nanofiber mat loaded with at least one antimicrobial material is arranged on the substrate such that it contacts the user's skin and encircles an opening of the micropore formed by the microheating element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one antimicrobial material is LL-37.

A device for introducing at least one antimicrobial in an exposed region of a user's skin caused while accessing interstitial fluid includes a substrate having thereon at least one electrically controllable microheating element including at least a microheater portion with multiple electrodes connected to the microheater portion for forming a micropore in the user's skin. A nanofiber mat loaded with at least one antimicrobial material is arranged on the substrate such that it contacts the user's skin and encircles an opening of the micropore formed by the microheating element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one antimicrobial material is LL-37.

A method of exchanging fluids through a CVC hub includes a base member with a plurality of ports for the acceptance of a syringe. A top member is rotatably coupled to the base member such that the base member and its associated syringes are configured to rotated relative to the top member. An attachment device is included in communication with the top member. The attachment device releasably coupled directly to the CVC hub. The syringes are selectively engaged with an internal seat in the top member and brought into fluid communication with the attachment device and corresponding CVC hub. Fluids may be exchanged or passed through the attachment device and the syringes from the patient's body.

A cover (50) is configured to enclose a pen needle or a safety pen needle (10). The cover (50) comprises a proximal end (52) in communication with an opening (58), the pen needle or the safety pen needle (10) disposed in the opening (58), a first seal (72) disposed at the proximal end (52) of the cover (50) to seal the opening (58), a cavity (56) disposed at a distal end (54) of the cover (50), a swab (60) disposed in the cavity (56), and a second seal (70) disposed at the distal end (54) of the cover (50) to seal the swab (60) in the cavity (56). The swab (60) contains at least one of an alcohol antiseptic, a non-alcohol antiseptic, and a numbing agent.

Cleaning and disinfection stick is designed in the manner of a nylon toothpick. In contrast to a toothpick, it is arcuate over its length, wherein straight embodiments are also possible. It tapers from its remaining diameter into a fine tip in at least one of its ends regions. Adjacent to the fine tip, the stick can include a round brush. Alternatively, it can also include a felt-like, textile or fluffy surface or be provided with a rod-like paper or plastic attachment. After removing a piercing, it can be inserted, leading with the fine tip into the skin hole and subsequently be pushed further into the skin hole until its cleaning body is inserted therein. It is then gently moved to and fro or rolled to and fro about its axis and pulled out again.

A blood drawing assembly for use with a CVC hub includes a base member with a plurality of ports for the acceptance of a syringe. A top member is rotatably coupled to the base member such that the base member and its associated syringes are configured to rotated relative to the top member. An attachment device is included in communication with the top member. The attachment device releasably coupled directly to the CVC hub. The syringes are selectively engaged with an internal seat in the top member and brought into fluid communication with the attachment device and corresponding CVC hub. Fluids may be exchanged or passed through the attachment device and the syringes from the patient's body.