Fluid flow control apparatus and patient fluid sampling method

摘要

A fluid flow control apparatus used in medical fluid sampling. The apparatus includes a valve assembly, first and second ports, and a cap. The valve assembly comprises a body rotatably assembled to a housing and defining a passageway and at least two recesses defined by an interior surface of the housing and the body which is formed separate from the passageway. The ports extend from the housing and are configured for connection to medical devices. The valve assembly is operable to interchangeably align the passageway and the recesses with the ports. Finally, the cap is connected to the housing, and forms an opening for coupling to a specimen container.

主权项

1. A fluid flow control apparatus used in medical fluid sampling, comprising:
a valve assembly comprising a housing and a body, the housing having a cavity between a top surface and a first opening of the housing, the body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the body rotatably retained within the cavity such that the bottom portion terminates above the housing first opening and the top portion extends above the housing top surface, the body comprising a passageway through a horizontal axis of the body and defining at least two diametrically opposed circumferential recesses along respective vertical axes of the body parallel to the axis of rotation, the at least two diametrically opposed circumferential recesses defined by an interior circumferential surface of the housing and respective recessed portions of an exterior surface of the body, that are fluidly isolated from the passageway; the housing having (i) a first port and a second port, each port extending from the housing and configured for connection to medical devices, and (ii) a ridge on the top surface of the housing comprising first and second protrusions, the first protrusion being engaged by a stem portion in a first flow position, and the body being rotatable such that the stem portion engages a second protrusion in a second flow position; and a cap integrally connected to the first opening of the housing, the cap forming a chamber for coupling to a specimen container, the chamber having cross-sectional width that is greater than the cross-sectional width of the first opening, wherein the chamber of the cap is configured to be fluidly connected to the first and second ports through the at least two diametrically opposed circumferential recesses when two of the at least two diametrically opposed circumferential recesses are aligned with the first and second ports, wherein the valve assembly is operable to interchangeably align the passageway and two of the at least two diametrically opposed circumferential recesses with the first and second ports.