Device for effecting safe removal of a used needle

摘要

A device for protecting the user of a medical blood drawing instrument of the evacuated tube type from being pricked by the needle when removing it from the instrument. An end portion of the needle is threadly engaged in the instrument; a splined portion of the needle is disposed externally of the instrument; and the splined portion is normally engaged by a sheath protectively covering the needle before use is made of the needle. After removal of the sheath, use is made of the needle in a venipuncturing action. When the used needle is to be separated from the instrument, the needle with its splined portion is inserted into a passage of an upper member of the device. A cam mounted in the upper member is subject to being actuated by the user to engage the splined portion and hold the needle fast, so that the instrument may be turned relative to and unthreaded from the needle. The hold of the cam upon the needle is then manually released by the user, whereupon its release the separated needle will drop out of the passage into a disposable container below.