Fluid Collection Device with Retractable Needle and Safety Sampling Access Needle Adapter

Abstract

A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container. After use, the socket is collapsed to prevent contact with the contaminated needle.

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 405,114, filed Apr. 1, 2003, set to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,633, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 461,267 filed Dec. 15, 1999, now issued as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6,540,732. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 144,916, filed on Jul. 21, 1999 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 112,371, filed on Dec. 15, 1998. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a fluid transfer device for transferring fluid to or from a patient, and more particularly to a fluid transfer device having a retractable needle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Various types of medical devices employ a needle for piercing the skin of a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. One such fluid transfer device is a fl...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Handling of such needle-bearing medical devices after the needle is withdrawn from the patient can result in transmission of various pathogens, most notably human immune virus (HIV), thereby exposing medical personnel and possibly others to serious or fatal illness due to an inadvertent needle stick or scratch.

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