Importance

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Abstract

A practical, low cost safety device for phlebotomy. Preparation for operation of the device involves elongating an otherwise shortened-for-transport apparatus to extend a medical assembly and needle from a housing for use in a medical procedure. The act of elongating energizes an energy storing component and cocks a releasable latch. The energy storing component is preferably a vacuum drawing plunger and tube combination. When the medical procedure is complete, distortion of a portion of the housing causes powered retraction of the needle. After retraction, the needle is fully contained, permitting the device to be laid aside without fear of an inadvertent needle stick. The housing comprises a proximal barrel and a distal needle containment section. The barrel comprises a sampling tube stopper piercing cannula. The distal section is disposed in-line, but off-axis from the barrel and comprises an enclosed conduit which communicates with the cannula and with a pathway to the medical needle through the medical needle assembly. Construction of the device requires only three injection molded parts, the housing, a needle hub and a needle cover. Further, as the needle is retracted, communication from the conduit is severed and the pathway to the needle is closed to reduce likelihood of blood spatter. The conduit may be used as a blood flash visualization chamber.

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First Claim