Blood collection devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

The blood extraction system may include a catheter connector connector in fluid communication with the catheter connector, and a blood extraction device in selective fluid communication with the catheter connector connector. A first valve may be used to selectively allow fluid communication between the blood extraction device and the catheter connector connector. A flushing device may also be selectively in fluid communication with the catheter connector connector to flush the catheter connector after a blood extraction procedure. A second valve may be used to selectively allow fluid communication between the flushing device and the catheter connector connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Catheters are commonly used for various infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids such as normal saline solution, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Catheters can also be used to withdraw blood from a patient. Background Art

[0002] The common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As its name implies, an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter can be sleeved on an introducer needle with a sharp distal end. The peripheral intravenous catheter and the introducer needle can be assembled so that the distal end of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the peripheral intravenous catheter, wherein the bevel of the needle is directed away from the patient's skin. The peripheral intravenous catheter and the introducer needle are typically inserted into the patient's blood vessel, such as the patient's artery, vein or other vascular system, through the skin at a shallow angle. Once the peripheral intravenous catheter is correctly in place in the blood vessel, the introducer needle can be withdrawn and the peripheral intravenous catheter can be fixed to the blood vessel by dressing the catheter connector (which is connected to the peripheral intravenous catheter) to the patient's skin. Other common types of catheters include, but are not limited to, peripherally inserted central catheters ("PICC") and central venous catheters (CVC).

[0003] A clinician can use a properly placed catheter to draw blood from a patient. Furthermore, a blood drawing procedure is typically performed only with a newly inserted catheter to avoid certain risks. For example, during a blood drawing procedure, a clinician typically: (1) inserts a new catheter / catheter connector; (2) couples a blood drawing device to the catheter connector; (3) collects a blood sample from the patient using the blood drawing device; (4) detaches the blood drawing device from the catheter connector; (5) couples a flushing device to the catheter connector; (6) flushes the catheter / catheter connector using the flushing device; and (7) detaches the flushing device from the catheter connector.

[0004] However, each of these steps contributes to the complexity and inefficiency of the blood drawing procedure (e.g., multiple connect / disconnect steps), limits the blood drawing procedure to newly inserted catheters, and increases certain risks to the patient. Examples of possible increased risks include drug contamination of the blood sample, hemolysis of the blood sample, increased risk of infection, increased risk of catheter occlusion, increased risk of catheter migration, etc.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve all disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is merely provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to blood collection devices, systems, and methods. The various blood collection devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein were developed in response to the current state of the art, particularly problems and needs that have not yet been fully addressed by currently available devices, systems, and methods for collecting blood from patients.

[0007] In some embodiments, the blood extraction system may include at least one catheter joint connector, which is configured to engage the catheter joint and place the at least one catheter joint connector in fluid communication with the catheter joint. The blood extraction system may also include at least one blood extraction device, which can be selectively fluidically connected to the at least one catheter joint connector. The at least one blood extraction device can be configured to extract blood from a patient's blood vessel. A first valve can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter joint connector. A flushing device can be selectively fluidically connected to the at least one catheter joint connector, and the flushing device can be configured to flush the catheter joint with fluid ejected by the flushing device. A second valve can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one catheter joint connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter hub connector can include at least one of a needle, a winged needle set, a needleless connector, a Luer lock connector, a Luer slip connector, a Luer taper connector, an extension set, and an extension tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one blood withdrawal device may include at least one of a syringe and a vacutainer tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first valve and the second valve may include at least one of a stopcock, a two-way stopcock, a three-way stopcock, a check valve, a sliding clamp, and a clinching clamp.

[0011] In some embodiments, the irrigation device can include a syringe filled with saline solution.

[0012] In some embodiments, the blood extraction system may further include at least one fluid tube coupled to the at least one catheter connector. The at least one fluid tube may be configured to place at least one of the flushing device and the at least one blood extraction device in fluid communication with the at least one catheter connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter hub connector can include a needle at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, a protective needle housing system may include a needle and a protective needle housing. The protective needle housing may include a needle channel configured to receive at least a portion of the needle therein, and a needle stop configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the needle stop may prevent the needle from advancing distally through the needle channel. In the open position, an aperture formed in the needle stop may be aligned with the needle channel to allow the needle to advance distally through the needle channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protective needle housing system may further include a resilient member configured to bias the needle stopper in the closed position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the resilient member includes at least one of a spring clip and a coil spring.

[0017] In some embodiments, the needle stop may include a first engagement surface configured to engage with a second engagement surface of the catheter connector such that the needle stop moves from the closed position to the open position when the second engagement surface of the catheter connector engages the first engagement surface of the needle stop.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protective needle housing can include an engagement feature configured to couple the protective needle housing to the catheter hub.

[0019] In some embodiments, the distal end of the needle can include a closed tip and an aspiration hole formed in a sidewall of the needle proximate the closed tip.

[0020] In some embodiments, the needle can include a bumper configured to prevent the needle from moving proximally out of the protective needle housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, a method for extracting blood from a patient using a blood extraction system may include coupling at least one catheter connector to a catheter connector to place the at least one catheter connector in fluid communication with the catheter connector. The method may also include adjusting a first valve to allow fluid communication between at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter connector. The at least one blood extraction device may be configured to extract blood from a patient's blood vessel. The method may also include drawing blood into the at least one blood extraction device through the at least one catheter connector. The method may also include adjusting the first valve to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter connector. The method may also include adjusting a second valve to allow fluid communication between a flushing device and the at least one catheter connector. The method may also include flushing the catheter connector with fluid ejected by the flushing device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting a second valve to prevent fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one catheter connector and to allow fluid communication between a second blood withdrawal device and the at least one catheter connector. The method may further include drawing blood through the at least one catheter connector into the second blood withdrawal device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one conduit joint connector can include a first conduit joint connector and a second conduit joint connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter hub connector can include at least one of a needle, a winged needle set, a needleless connector, a Luer lock connector, a Luer slip connector, a Luer taper connector, an extension set, and an extension tube.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter hub connector can include a needle at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first valve and the second valve may include at least one of a stopcock, a two-way stopcock, a three-way stopcock, a check valve, a sliding clamp, and a clinching clamp.

[0027] It should be understood that the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are examples and illustrative, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made (unless such requirements are met) without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an example catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 1B According to some embodiments Figure 1A A top cross-sectional view of a catheter system;

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a protective needle housing according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 2B is in a closed position according to some embodiments Figure 2AA front view of the protective needle housing;

[0033] Figure 2C In an open position according to some embodiments Figure 2A A front view of the protective needle housing;

[0034] Figure 2D is in a closed position according to some embodiments Figure 2A A side sectional view of the protective needle housing;

[0035] Figure 2E In an open position according to some embodiments Figure 2A A side sectional view of the protective needle housing;

[0036] Figure 3A is a side view of a needle according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A Detail of the distal end of the needle;

[0038] Figure 3C According to some embodiments Figure 3A Detail of the middle part of the needle;

[0039] Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of a protective needle housing system in a closed position according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view of a protective needle housing system in an open position according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an example catheter connector according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, the Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5 A side sectional view of a conduit connector;

[0043] Figure 7 According to some embodiments, the Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5 A side sectional view of a conduit connector;

[0044] Figure 8 According to some embodiments, the Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a catheter connector with the needle moving distally within the catheter connector;

[0045] Figure 9A is a front view of a protective needle housing in a closed position according to an alternative embodiment;

[0046] Figure 9B is in an open position according to an alternative embodiment Figure 9A A front view of the protective needle housing;

[0047] Figure 10 is a side view of a blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 11 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 12 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 13 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0051] Figure 14 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 15 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0053] Figure 16 is a side view of an alternative blood collection kit according to some embodiments;

[0054] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method for drawing blood from a patient via a blood drawing system, according to some embodiments.

[0055] It should be understood that these drawings are for the purpose of illustrating the concepts of the present disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, these drawings depict example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are represented by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the devices and systems as illustrated in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority hereto, but is merely representative of example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B In some embodiments, according to some embodiments, catheter system 10 can include a needle assembly 12 and a catheter assembly 14 . Figure 1A and 1B The catheter system 10 is shown in an insertion position, ready for insertion into a patient's vein (not shown). In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 can include a catheter connector or catheter connector body 16, which can include a proximal end 20, a distal end 18, and a catheter connector channel 21 formed within the catheter connector body 16 and extending between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 18 of the catheter connector body 16. In some embodiments, the catheter connector body 16 can include a septum 70 coupled to the catheter connector body 16 adjacent to the catheter connector channel 21. In some embodiments, the septum 70 can be a single-piece septum. In some embodiments, the septum 70 can be a multi-piece septum. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 can include a catheter 22, which can include a proximal end 26, a distal end 24, and a catheter lumen 27 extending between the proximal end 26 and the distal end 24 of the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). In some embodiments, the proximal end 26 of the catheter 22 can be secured within the catheter connector body 16 .

[0058] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include a needle hub 28 that can be removably coupled to the catheter connector body 16. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include an introducer needle 30. In some embodiments, a proximal end 31 of the introducer needle 30 can be secured within the needle hub 28. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in an insertion position and ready to be inserted into a patient's vein, the introducer needle 30 can extend through the catheter lumen 27, and a distal end 33 of the introducer needle 30 can protrude from the distal end 24 of the catheter 22.

[0059] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include a needle grip 32 that, once placement of the catheter 22 within the vein is confirmed, the clinician can grip and move proximally to withdraw the introducer needle 30 from the vein. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include an extension tube 34. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to the catheter connector body 16, and the proximal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to the connector 36. In some embodiments, the catheter connector body 16 can include an access port 80 that can be in fluid communication with the catheter connector passageway 21. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to the access port 80 so that the extension tube 34 can be in fluid communication with the catheter connector passageway 21 via the access port 80.

[0060] In some embodiments, once introducer needle 30 is removed from catheter system 10, a fluid injection device (not shown) can be coupled to connector 36 to deliver fluid to the patient via catheter 22 inserted into the vein. In some embodiments, a blood collection device can be coupled to connector 36 to withdraw blood from the patient via catheter 22 inserted into the vein.

[0061] The catheter system 10 can include straight, ported, integrated, and conventional catheters. For example, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be integrated, having an extension tube 34 integrated into the catheter connector body 16, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA (trademark) closed IV catheter system, the BD NEXIVA (trademark) DIFFUSICS (trademark) closed IV catheter system, the BD PEGASUS (trademark) safety closed IV catheter system, or other integrated catheter systems. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be non-integrated and lack an extension tube 34.

[0062] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be open to observe blood and promote blood flow to the proximal side within the guide needle 30 and / or catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be open in any suitable manner. For example, during the insertion of the catheter 22 into the patient's body, the open plug 38 can be connected to the connector 36. In some embodiments, the open plug 38 can be air-permeable but blood-impermeable. In some embodiments, the catheter 22, the catheter connector body 16, the extension tube 34, the connector 36, and the open plug 38 can be in fluid communication. As another example, in some embodiments, the needle hub 28 can include a flashback chamber.

[0063] Figures 2A-2E Several views of a protective needle housing 200 are shown according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 2A is a perspective view of the protective needle housing 200; Figure 2B is a front view of the protective needle housing 200 in the closed position; Figure 2C is a front view of the protective needle housing 200 in the open position; Figure 2D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective needle housing 200 in the closed position; and Figure 2E is a side cross-sectional view of the protective needle housing 200 in the open position.

[0064] Generally, the protective needle housing 200 may include a proximal end 201, a distal end 202, an engagement feature 210 located at the distal end 202 of the protective needle housing 200, an engagement groove 212, a needle channel 240 extending between the proximal end 201 and the distal end 202 of the protective needle housing 200, a reduced inner diameter portion 242 of the needle channel 240 located at the proximal end 201 of the protective needle housing 200, and a needle stopper 220 including one or more of the following: an aperture 230, a first engagement surface 261, and a resilient member 250. This will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 8 The operation of the protective needle housing 200 is discussed in more detail.

[0065] Figures 3A-3C Various views of a needle 300 are shown according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 3A is a side view of needle 300; Figure 3B is a detailed top view of the distal end of needle 300; and Figure 3C is a detailed view of the middle portion of needle 300.

[0066] Generally, the needle 300 may include a needle cannula 305 extending between a proximal end 301 and a distal end 302 of the needle 300, a needle hub 340 coupled to the proximal end 301 of the needle 300, a closed tip 310 located at the distal end 302 of the needle 300, a suction hole 320 formed in a sidewall of the needle cannula 305 near the closed tip 310, and a buffer 330 coupled to the needle cannula 305. Reference will now be made to Figures 4A to 8 The operation of the needle 300 and protective needle housing 200 is discussed.

[0067] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Various views of a protective needle housing system 400 are shown according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the protective needle housing system 400 in the closed position, and Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position. Generally, the protective needle housing system 400 may include Figures 3A to 3C The needle 300 can be slidably connected to Figures 2A-2E The protective needle housing 200 is provided.

[0068] The needle 300 can be held proximally in the protective needle housing 200 via a bumper 330 that protrudes from the needle cannula 305. The maximum outer diameter of the bumper 330 can be larger than the reduced inner diameter portion 242 of the needle channel 240. Therefore, when the clinician pulls the needle 300 in the proximal direction, the bumper 330 can be configured to prevent the needle 300 from moving too far in the proximal direction and being unable to retain the needle 300 in the protective needle housing 200. The needle 300 can also be held in the protective needle housing 200 when the needle stopper 220 is in the closed position (see FIG. Figure 4A) is held in the protective needle housing 200 by the needle stop 220 in the distal direction, or when the needle stop 220 is in the open position (see Figure 4B ) is retained distally within the needle guard housing 200 by the needle hub 340. Thus, when the clinician pushes the needle 300 distally, the needle stopper 220 and / or the needle hub 340 can prevent the needle 300 from moving too far distally to retain the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200. In this manner, the needle channel 240 and / or the reduced inner diameter portion 242 of the needle channel 240 can each be configured to receive at least a portion of the needle 300, and retaining the closed tip 310 of the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200 provides a higher level of safety for the clinician in preventing accidental needle sticks. The closed tip 310 can also reduce hemolysis of blood and reduce tearing and contamination caused by the closed tip 310 piercing the septum.

[0069] As previously described, the needle stop 220 may be configured to be in the closed position (e.g., see Figure 2A 、 2B , 2D and 4A) and open position (see e.g. Figure 2C 、 2E In the closed position, the needle stop 220 can prevent the needle 300 from advancing distally in the needle channel 240 by blocking the closed end 310 of the needle 300 and preventing the needle 300 from translating distally in the needle channel 240, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A In the open position, the aperture 230 formed in the needle stop 220 can be placed in alignment with the needle channel 240 to enable the needle 300 to be advanced distally in the needle channel 240, as shown. Figure 4B shown.

[0070] The resilient member 250 can be configured to exert a biasing force on the needle stop 220 so as to preferentially bias the resilient member 250 in the closed position. Figures 2A-2E In the embodiments shown in , 4A, 4B and 6-8, the resilient member 250 may include a spring clip configured to bias the needle stop 220 in the upward / closed position. However, it should be understood that other biasing structures are contemplated herein (e.g., see Figure 9A and 9B ).

[0071] Figure 5A side cross-sectional view of a catheter connector 500 according to some embodiments is shown. Generally, the catheter connector 500 may include a catheter connector body 516 and a catheter 522. The catheter connector body 516 may include a proximal end 520, a distal end 518, a lower surface 540, an upper surface 542, and a catheter connector channel 521 formed within the catheter connector body 516 and extending between the proximal end 520 and the distal end 518 of the catheter connector body 516. In some embodiments, the catheter connector body 516 may include a first septum 571 and a second septum 572. The first septum 571 may be positioned toward the proximal end 520 of the catheter connector body 516, and the second septum 572 may be coupled within the catheter connector body 516 adjacent to the catheter connector channel 521. A septum channel 575 may be formed between the first septum 571 and the second septum 572. In some embodiments, the septum 570 may be a multi-component septum. In some embodiments (not shown), the septum of the catheter connector 500 can utilize a single-piece septum. In some embodiments, the catheter connector body 516 can also include an entry port ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0072] The catheter 522 can include a proximal end 526, a distal end 524, and a catheter lumen 527 extending between the proximal end 526 and the distal end 524 of the catheter 522. In some embodiments, the catheter 522 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). In some embodiments, the proximal end 526 of the catheter 522 can be coupled to and / or secured within the catheter connector body 516 such that the catheter lumen 527 can be in fluid communication with the catheter connector passageway 521.

[0073] Figure 6-8 shows a connection to Figure 4A Protective needle housing system 400 Figure 5 Various views of the conduit connector 500. Specifically, Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a catheter connector 500 coupled to a protective needle housing system 400 in a closed position; Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter connector 500 fully coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position; and Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter connector 500 coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 in an open position with the needle 300 moved distally and protruding into the interior of the catheter connector 500 .

[0074] Figure 6The proximal end 520 of the catheter connector 500 is shown slidably received in the engagement feature 210 of the protective needle housing 200. When the proximal end 520 of the catheter connector 500 is received in the engagement feature 210 of the protective needle housing 200, the first engagement surface 261 of the needle stop 220 engages with the second engagement surface 262 formed on the proximal end 520 of the catheter connector 500. The first engagement surface 261 of the needle stop 220 and the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter connector 500 can both be angled toward the proximal direction. In this manner, the first engagement surface 261 can be configured to engage the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter connector 500, such that when the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter connector 500 engages the first engagement surface 261 of the needle stop 220, the needle stop 220 moves from the closed position to the open position. Thus, when the clinician fully couples the protective needle housing 200 to the catheter connector 500 by moving the catheter connector 500 in the direction of arrow 700, the needle stop 220 may automatically move from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 Once the needle stop 220 is moved to the open position, the clinician is free to move the needle 300 distally to insert the needle 300 into the catheter connector 500, as shown. Figure 8 shown.

[0075] Figure 9A and 9B Two views of a protective needle housing 900 according to an alternative embodiment are shown. Specifically, Figure 9A is a front view of the protective needle housing 900 in the closed position, and Figure 9B FIG is a front view of the protective needle housing 900 in the open position. Figures 2A to 2E The protective needle housing 900 may include similar features and structures to those shown in FIG. 2 , such as the engagement feature 910, the needle stop 920, and the aperture 930. However, the protective needle housing 900 may utilize an alternative structure including a resilient member 950 (e.g., a coil spring) and a needle stop arm 970 that may be configured to switch the needle stop 920 between an open position and a closed position. The needle stop 920 may also be configured to automatically move to the open position when coupled to the catheter connector 500.

[0076] However, it should be understood that any number of different resilient member structures or configurations are contemplated herein that can be used to switch the needle stop between the open and closed positions and / or apply a biasing force toward the closed position to the needle stop. It should also be understood that any catheter connector structure described herein and / or any protective needle housing structure or system disclosed herein can be used with any blood draw collection kit / system described below.

[0077] Figures 10 to 16Various exemplary blood draw collection kits according to some embodiments are shown. Specifically, Figure 10 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1000; Figure 11 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1100; Figure 12 is a side view of an exemplary blood collection kit 1200; Figure 13 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1300; Figure 14 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1400; Figure 15 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1500; and Figure 16 is a side view of an example blood collection kit 1600.

[0078] Figure 10 The example blood collection set 1000 shown in FIG. 1 generally can include a first catheter connector 1010 , a first fluid tube 1051 , a second fluid tube 1052 , a third fluid tube 1053 , a first connector 1061 , a first valve 1031 , a second valve 1032 , a first blood extraction device 1021 , and a flushing device 1040 .

[0079] The first catheter connector connector 1010 can be configured to engage with a catheter connector (not shown) so that the first catheter connector connector 1010 is placed in fluid communication with the catheter connector. The catheter connector can also include a catheter that can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown). The first catheter connector connector 1010 and any other catheter connector connector disclosed herein can include at least one of a needle, a winged needle kit, a needleless connector (e.g., a Q-SYTE [trademark] connector, a MAX ZERO [trademark] connector, a SMARTSITE [trademark] connector, etc.), a Luer lock connector, a Luer slip connector, a Luer taper connector, an extension kit, and / or an extension tube.

[0080] The first blood drawing device 1021 can be placed in selective fluid communication with the first catheter connector 1010 via a first fluid tube 1051 and a second fluid tube 1052, which can be coupled together via a first connector 1061. The first blood drawing device 1021, as well as any other blood drawing devices disclosed herein, can be configured to draw blood from a patient's blood vessel and can include at least one of a syringe and a VACUTAINER (trademark).

[0081] The first valve 1031 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood withdrawal device 1021 and the first catheter connector 1010. The first valve 1031, as well as any other valves disclosed herein, can include at least one of a stopcock, a two-way stopcock, a three-way stopcock, a check valve, a sliding clamp, and a clamping clamp. Once the first valve 1031 has been moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into the first blood withdrawal device 1021. The first valve 1031 can then be moved to the closed position as needed to proceed with subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0082] Flushing device 1040 can be configured to flush the catheter connector with fluid ejected by flushing device 1040 after blood has been drawn from the patient. In some embodiments, flushing device 1040 can include a syringe filled with physiological saline solution, such as PosiFlush (trademark). Flushing device 1040 can be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector connector 1010 via first fluid tube 1051 and third fluid tube 1053, which can be coupled together via first connector 1061.

[0083] Second valve 1032 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1040 and first catheter connector 1010. Once second valve 1032 has been moved to the open position, the clinician can flush the catheter connector with fluid ejected by flushing device 1040. Second valve 1032 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0084] Figure 11 The example blood collection kit 1100 shown in the figure can generally include: a first catheter joint connector 1110, a first fluid tube 1151, a second fluid tube 1152, a third fluid tube 1153, a fourth fluid tube 1154, a fifth fluid tube 1155, a first connector 1161, a second connector 1162, a first valve 1131, a second valve 1132, a third valve 1133, a fourth valve 1134, a first blood extraction device 1121, a second blood extraction device 1122 and a flushing device 1140.

[0085] First catheter connector connector 1110 can be configured to engage catheter connector 1170 to place first catheter connector connector 1110 in fluid communication with catheter connector 1170. Catheter connector 1170 can also include catheter 1171, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0086] First blood withdrawal device 1121 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter hub connector 1110 via first and second fluid tubes 1151 , 1152 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1161 .

[0087] The first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood drawing device 1121 and the first catheter connector 1110. Once the first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 have been moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into the first blood drawing device 1121. The first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood drawing procedure.

[0088] The second blood extraction device 1122 can be placed to selectively fluidically communicate with the first catheter connector connector 1110 via the first fluid tube 1151, the fourth fluid tube 1154 and the fifth fluid tube 1155, and the first fluid tube 1151, the fourth fluid tube 1154 and the fifth fluid tube 1155 can be fluidically connected by the first connector 1161 and / or the second connector 1162.

[0089] The first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1122 and the first catheter connector 1110. Once the first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 have each been moved to an open position, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1122. The first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 can then be moved to a closed position as needed to proceed with subsequent steps during the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1122 so that blood can be removed from a patient's vein containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) before a clean blood sample is subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1121.

[0090] Flushing device 1140 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1170 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1140 after blood is withdrawn from the patient. Flushing device 1140 can be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector connector 1110 via first fluid tube 1151, third fluid tube 1153, and fifth fluid tube 1155, which can be fluidically coupled via first connector 1161 and / or second connector 1162.

[0091] First valve 1131, second valve 1132, and / or fourth valve 1134 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1140 and first catheter connector connector 1110. Once first valve 1131, second valve 1132, and / or fourth valve 1134 have been moved to the open position, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1170 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1140. The first valve 1131, second valve 1132, and / or fourth valve 1134 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0092] Figure 12 The example blood collection kit 1200 shown in can generally include a first catheter connector 1210, a first fluid tube 1251, a second fluid tube 1252, a third fluid tube 1253, a fourth fluid tube 1254, a fifth fluid tube 1255, a first connector 1261, a first valve 1231, a second valve 1232, a third valve 1233, a first blood extraction device 1221, a second blood extraction device 1222 and a flushing device 1240.

[0093] First catheter connector 1210 can be configured to engage catheter connector 1270 to place first catheter connector 1210 in fluid communication with catheter connector 1270. Catheter connector 1270 can also include catheter 1271, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0094] First blood withdrawal device 1221 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector 1210 via first and second fluid tubes 1251 , 1252 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1261 .

[0095] The first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood withdrawal device 1221 and the first catheter connector 1210. Once the first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 have been moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into the first blood withdrawal device 1221. The first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0096] Second blood extraction device 1222 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector 1210 via first, fourth, and fifth fluid tubes 1251 , 1254 , 1255 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1261 .

[0097] The first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1222 and the first catheter connector 1210. Once the first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 have each been moved to an open position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1222, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1222. The first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 can then be moved to a closed position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1222 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1222 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) before a clean blood sample can be subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1221.

[0098] Flushing device 1240 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1270 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1240 after blood is drawn from the patient. Flushing device 1240 can be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector connector 1210 via first fluid tube 1251, third fluid tube 1253, and fifth fluid tube 1255, which can be fluidically coupled via first connector 1261.

[0099] First valve 1231, second valve 1232, and / or third valve 1233 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1240 and first catheter connector connector 1210. Once first valve 1231, second valve 1232, and / or third valve 1233 have each been moved to an open position with respect to flushing device 1240, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1270 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1240. First valve 1231, second valve 1232, and / or third valve 1233 can then be moved to a closed position with respect to flushing device 1240 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure.

[0100] Figure 13The example blood collection kit 1300 shown can generally include a first catheter connector connector 1310, a second catheter connector connector 1312, a first fluid tube 1351, a second fluid tube 1352, a third fluid tube 1353, a fourth fluid tube 1354, a fifth fluid tube 1355, a sixth fluid tube 1356, a first connector 1361, a second connector 1362, a third connector 1363, a first valve 1331, a second valve 1332, a third valve 1333, a fourth valve 1334, a first blood extraction device 1321, a second blood extraction device 1322 and a flushing device 1340.

[0101] First catheter connector connector 1310 can be configured to engage catheter connector 1370 to place first catheter connector connector 1310 in fluid communication with catheter connector 1370. Catheter connector 1370 can also include catheter 1371, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0102] First blood withdrawal device 1321 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter hub connector 1310 via first and second fluid tubes 1351 , 1352 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1361 .

[0103] First valve 1331 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between first blood withdrawal device 1321 and first catheter hub connector 1310. Once first valve 1331 has been moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into first blood withdrawal device 1321. First valve 1331 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0104] The second blood extraction device 1322 can be placed in selective fluid communication with the first catheter connector connector 1310 via the first fluid tube 1351, the fourth fluid tube 1354 and the fifth fluid tube 1355, and the first fluid tube 1351, the fourth fluid tube 1354 and the fifth fluid tube 1355 can be fluidically connected via the first connector 1361 and / or the second connector 1362.

[0105] The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1322 and the first catheter connector 1310. Once the first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 have each been moved to an open position, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1322. The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 can then be moved to a closed position as needed to proceed to subsequent steps in the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1322 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) before a clean blood sample is subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1321.

[0106] Flushing device 1340 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1370 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1340 after blood has been withdrawn from the patient. Flushing device 1340 can be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector connector 1310 via first fluid tube 1351, third fluid tube 1353, and fifth fluid tube 1355, which can be fluidically coupled via first connector 1361 and / or second connector 1362.

[0107] First valve 1331 and / or second valve 1332 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1340 and first catheter connector connector 1310. Once first valve 1331 and / or second valve 1332 have each been moved to an open position, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1370 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1340. First valve 1331 and / or second valve 1332 can then be moved to a closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0108] Figure 14 The example blood collection device 1400 shown in can generally include a first catheter connector connector 1410, a second catheter connector connector 1412, a first fluid tube 1451, a second fluid tube 1452, a third fluid tube 1453, a fourth fluid tube 1454, a fifth fluid tube 1455, a sixth fluid tube 1456, a first connector 1461, a second connector 1462, a first valve 1431, a second valve 1432, a third valve 1433, a first blood extraction device 1421, a second blood extraction device 1422 and a flushing device 1440.

[0109] First catheter connector 1410 can be configured to engage catheter connector 1470 to place first catheter connector 1410 in fluid communication with catheter connector 1470. Catheter connector 1470 can also include catheter 1471, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0110] First blood withdrawal device 1421 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter hub connector 1410 via first and second fluid tubes 1451 , 1452 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1461 .

[0111] First valve 1431 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between first blood withdrawal device 1421 and first catheter hub connector 1410. Once first valve 1431 has been moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into first blood withdrawal device 1421. First valve 1431 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0112] Second blood extraction device 1422 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector 1410 via first, fourth, and fifth fluid tubes 1451 , 1454 , 1455 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1461 .

[0113] The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1422 and the first catheter connector 1410. Once the first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 have each been moved to an open position relative to the second blood drawing device 1422, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1422. The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 can then be moved to a closed position relative to the second blood drawing device 1422 as needed to proceed with subsequent steps during the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1422 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) before a clean blood sample is subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1421.

[0114] Flushing device 1440 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1470 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1440 after blood is withdrawn from the patient. Flushing device 1440 can be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter connector connector 1410 via first fluid tube 1451, third fluid tube 1453, and fifth fluid tube 1455, which can be fluidically coupled via first connector 1461.

[0115] First valve 1431 and / or second valve 1432 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1440 and first catheter connector connector 1410. Once first valve 1431 and / or second valve 1432 have each been moved to an open position for flushing device 1440, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1470 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1440. First valve 1431 and / or second valve 1432 can then be moved to a closed position for flushing 1440 as needed during subsequent steps in the blood drawing procedure.

[0116] Figure 15 The example blood collection kit 1500 shown in can generally include a first catheter connector connector 1510, a second catheter connector connector 1512, a first fluid tube 1551, a second fluid tube 1552, a third fluid tube 1553, a fourth fluid tube 1554, a first connector 1561, a second connector 1562, a first valve 1531, a second valve 1532, a first blood extraction device 1521, a second blood extraction device 1522 and a flushing device 1540.

[0117] First catheter hub connector 1510 can be configured to engage with catheter hub 1570 to place first catheter hub connector 1510 in fluid communication with catheter hub 1570. Catheter hub 1570 can also include catheter 1571, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0118] First blood withdrawal device 1521 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter hub connector 1510 via first and second fluid tubes 1551 , 1552 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1561 .

[0119] First valve 1531 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between first blood withdrawal device 1521 and first catheter hub connector 1510. Once first valve 1531 has been moved to an open position for first blood withdrawal device 1521, the clinician can draw blood into first blood withdrawal device 1521. First valve 1531 can then be moved to a closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0120] Second blood withdrawal device 1522 may be placed in selective fluid communication with first catheter hub connector 1510 via first and fourth fluid tubes 1551 , 1554 , which may be fluidly coupled via first connector 1561 .

[0121] The first valve 1531 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1522 and the first catheter connector 1510. Once the first valve 1531 has been moved to an open position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1522, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1522. The first valve 1531 can then be moved to a closed position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1522 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1522 so that blood containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) can be removed from a patient's vein before a clean blood sample is subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1521.

[0122] Flushing device 1540 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1570 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1540 after blood has been drawn from the patient. Flushing device 1540 can be placed in selective fluid communication with second catheter connector connector 1512 via third fluid tube 1553, which can be fluidically coupled to flushing device 1540 via second connector 1562.

[0123] Second valve 1532 can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1540 and second catheter connector connector 1512. Once second valve 1532 has been moved to an open position for flushing device 1540, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1570 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1540. Second valve 1532 can then be moved to a closed position for flushing device 1540 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure.

[0124] Figure 16The example blood collection kit 1600 shown in can generally include a first catheter connector connector 1610, a second catheter connector connector 1612, a first fluid tube 1651, a second fluid tube 1652, a third fluid tube 1653, a fourth fluid tube 1654, a first connector 1661, a second connector 1662, a first valve (not shown), a second valve 1632, a third valve 1633, a first blood extraction device 1621, a second blood extraction device 1622 and a flushing device 1640.

[0125] First catheter connector 1610 can be configured to engage with catheter connector 1670 to place first catheter connector 1610 in fluid communication with catheter connector 1670. Catheter connector 1670 can also include catheter 1671, which can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0126] The first blood withdrawal device 1621 may be placed in selective fluid communication with the first catheter connector 1610 via a first fluid tube 1651 , which may be fluidly coupled to the first blood withdrawal device 1621 via a first connector 1661 .

[0127] A first valve (not shown) can be coupled to first fluid tube 1651 and can be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between first blood withdrawal device 1621 and first catheter hub connector 1610. Once the first valve has been moved to an open position for first blood withdrawal device 1621, the clinician can draw blood into first blood withdrawal device 1621. The first valve can then be moved to a closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood withdrawal procedure.

[0128] Second blood withdrawal device 1622 may be placed in selective fluid communication with second catheter connector 1612 via second and fourth fluid tubes 1652 , 1654 , which may be fluidly coupled via second connector 1662 .

[0129] The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood drawing device 1622 and the second catheter connector 1612. Once the second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 have each been moved to an open position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1622, the clinician can draw blood into the second blood drawing device 1622. The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 can then be moved to a closed position with respect to the second blood drawing device 1622 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood drawing device 1622 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more medications (e.g., from a previous infusion) before a clean blood sample is subsequently drawn into the first blood drawing device 1621.

[0130] Flushing device 1640 can be configured to flush catheter connector 1670 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1640 after blood has been drawn from the patient. Flushing device 1640 can be placed in selective fluid communication with second catheter connector connector 1612 via second fluid tube 1652 and third fluid tube 1653, which can be fluidically coupled via second connector 1662.

[0131] Second valve 1632 and / or third valve 1633 can each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between flushing device 1640 and second catheter connector connector 1612. Once second valve 1632 and / or third valve 1633 have been moved to an open position with respect to flushing device 1640, the clinician can flush catheter connector 1670 with fluid ejected by flushing device 1640. Second valve 1632 and / or third valve 1633 can then be moved to a closed position with respect to flushing device 1640 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood drawing procedure.

[0132] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method 1700 for drawing blood from a patient via a blood drawing system, according to some embodiments. Generally, the method 1700 can include using any blood collection set, or any portion of any blood collection set, disclosed herein.

[0133] Method 1700 can begin with step 1710, where at least one catheter adapter connector can be coupled to a catheter adapter to place the at least one catheter adapter connector in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter can also include a catheter that can be placed within a patient's blood vessel.

[0134] Once the catheter hub connector has been coupled to the catheter hub, method 1700 may proceed to step 1720, where the first valve may be adjusted to allow fluid communication between at least one blood withdrawal device and the at least one catheter hub connector. The at least one blood withdrawal device may be configured to withdraw blood from a patient's blood vessel via a catheter, a catheter hub, a catheter hub connector, and one or more fluid tubes.

[0135] Once the first valve has been adjusted to allow fluid communication between the at least one blood withdrawal device and the at least one catheter connector, method 1700 can proceed to step 1730, where blood can be drawn through the at least one catheter connector into the at least one blood withdrawal device.

[0136] Once blood has been drawn into the at least one blood withdrawal set through the at least one catheter connector, method 1700 can proceed to step 1740 where the first valve can be adjusted to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood withdrawal set and the at least one catheter connector.

[0137] Once the first valve has been adjusted to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood withdrawal device and the at least one catheter connector, method 1700 can proceed to step 1750, where the second valve can be adjusted to allow fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one catheter connector.

[0138] Once the second valve has been adjusted to allow fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one catheter connector, method 1700 can proceed to step 1760 where the catheter connector can be flushed with fluid ejected from the flushing device.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, method 1700 may further include any one or more of the following steps, which may be performed in any order: (1) step 1770, wherein the second valve may be adjusted to prevent fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one catheter connector and to allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device and the at least one catheter connector; (2) step 1780, wherein blood may be drawn into the second blood extraction device through the at least one catheter connector.

[0140] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. One or more method steps and / or actions may be omitted from any method disclosed herein. In addition, any method steps and / or actions may be interchangeable with each other. In other words, unless the correct operation of the embodiment requires a specific sequence of steps or actions, the order and / or use of the specific steps and / or actions may be modified.

[0141] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, reference phrases or variations thereof recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any embodiment of the present disclosure, or any portion of any embodiment of the present disclosure, may be combined in any number of different ways.

[0142] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of the embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. However, the format of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in the claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, inventive aspects lie in the combination of less than all the features of any single aforementioned disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following this embodiment description are hereby expressly incorporated into this embodiment description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The present disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0143] In the claims, the recitation of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function format are intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. Section 112, paragraph 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the general principles set forth herein.

[0144] Standard medical guidelines, reference planes, and descriptive terms are used throughout this specification. For example, anterior refers to the front of the body. posterior refers to the back of the body. superior refers to the head. inferior refers to the feet. medial refers to the midline of the body. lateral refers to the distance away from the midline. axial refers to the axis toward the body. abaxial refers to the distance away from the body. ipsilateral refers to the same side of the body. contralateral refers to the opposite side of the body. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves. The midsagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves, which are bilaterally symmetrical. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior. These descriptive terms can be applied to both animate and inanimate parts of the body.

[0145] The phrases "connected to," "coupled to," "engaged with," and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluidic, and thermal interactions. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. The term "adjacent" refers to items that are in direct physical contact with one another, although the items are not necessarily attached together. The phrase "in fluid communication" means that two features are connected so that a fluid within one feature can pass into another feature.

[0146] As defined herein, "substantially equal" means "equal to" or within a relative deviation of approximately plus or minus 10% of each other.

[0147] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0148] Although specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations that are apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein.

[0149] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for illustrative purposes to help readers understand the present invention and the concepts made by the inventors to further develop this field, and should be interpreted as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A blood extraction system, comprising: at least one catheter connector configured to engage with a catheter connector and place the at least one catheter connector in fluid communication with the catheter connector; at least one blood withdrawal device in selective fluid communication with the at least one catheter connector, the at least one blood withdrawal device configured to withdraw blood from a blood vessel of a patient; a first valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the at least one blood withdrawal device and the at least one catheter hub connector; a flushing device, the flushing device being in selective fluid communication with the at least one catheter connector, the flushing device being configured to flush the catheter connector with fluid ejected by the flushing device; a second valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device and the at least one catheter connector; wherein the at least one catheter joint connector comprises a needle at least partially housed within a protective needle housing, the protective needle housing comprising: a needle channel configured to receive at least a portion of the needle therein; and a needle stop configured to move between a closed position and an open position; in: In the closed position, the needle stop prevents distal advancement of the needle through the needle channel; In the open position, placing an aperture formed in the needle stop in alignment with the needle channel to allow distal advancement of the needle through the needle channel; and The needle stop includes a first engagement surface configured to engage a second engagement surface of the catheter connector such that the needle stop moves from the closed position to the open position when the second engagement surface of the catheter connector engages the first engagement surface of the needle stop. Wherein, when the protective needle housing is completely coupled to the catheter connector by moving the catheter connector, the needle stopper can automatically move from the closed position to the open position.

2. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one conduit joint connector includes at least one of the following: Needle; Wing Needle Kit; needleless connectors; Luer lock connector; Luer slip connectors; Luer taper connector; Extension kit; and Extension tube.

3. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one blood withdrawal device includes at least one of the following: syringes; and Vacuum tube.

4. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve and the second valve include at least one of the following: Plug valve; Two-way plug valve; Three-way plug valve; Check valve; Sliding clamps; and Clamp tightly.

5. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The flushing device includes a syringe filled with physiological saline solution.

6. The blood extraction system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid tube coupled to the at least one catheter connector, wherein The at least one fluid tube is configured to place at least one of the flushing device and the at least one blood withdrawal device in fluid communication with the at least one catheter connector.

7. The blood extraction system of claim 1, further comprising a resilient member configured to bias the needle stop in the closed position.

8. The blood extraction system according to claim 7, wherein: The elastic member includes at least one of the following: Spring clips; and Coil spring.

9. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The protective needle housing includes an engagement feature configured to couple the protective needle housing to a catheter hub.

10. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The distal end of the needle comprises: Closed ends; and A suction aperture is formed in the side wall of the needle proximate the closed distal end.

11. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein: The needle includes a bumper configured to prevent the needle from moving proximally out of the protective needle housing.

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