Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for sampling blood through an intravenous or intraarterial tube which does not interfere with normal operation of an infusion operation or a direct pressure monitoring operation. A needleless sampling site at which fluid can be removed is connected to the tube. A chamber is provided which is connected to the tube such that fluid can be interchanged between the tube and the chamber. A plunger is provided for drawing the fluid from the tube into the chamber and for expelling the fluid from the chamber into the tube. In its normal position, the plunger blocks the interconnection between the tube and the chamber. When in its sampling position, the plunger creates a vacuum in the chamber causing the fluid in the tube to be aspirated into the chamber. The aspirating action causes fluid in the patient to be drawn up to the sampling site. An actuator, which can be operated by a single hand of a medical practitioner, imparts an appropriate feel to the system operation. A practitioner can carefully control the aspiration and expulsion operations of the system due to the resistance provided against the practitioner's hand movements and configuration of the body and the actuator means. The movement of the plunger is such that fluid is selectively drawn into and expelled from the chamber.

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First Claim