SELF RETRACTING NEEDLE APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PHLEBOTOMY

摘要

A safety device (10, 10') for phlebotomy. Preparation for operation (10, 10') involves elongating the device to extend a medical needle from a housing. The act of elongating energisizing an energizes a storing component (60, 120, 130, 282) and cocks a releasable latch (194). The energy storing component (60, 120, 130, 282) is preferably a vacuum drawing plunger (80) and tube (60) combination. Distortion of a portion (90) of the housing (20, 20') causes powered retraction of the needle (70). After retraction, the needle (70) is fully contained. The housing (20, 20') comprises a proximal barrel (50, 50') and a distal needle containment (60, 60'). The barrel (50, 50') comprises a sampling tube stopper piercing cannula (100, 100'). The distal section is disposed in-line, but off-axis from the barrel (50, 50') and comprises an enclosed conduit (148, 148') which communicates to the medical needle (70). Construction of the device (10, 10') requires only three injection molded parts, which include. Further, as the needle (70) is retracted, communication from the conduit (148, 148') is severed to reduce the likelihood of blood spatter. The conduit (148, 148') may be used for a blood flash visualization chamber.