Blood collection device, system and method

Abstract

The blood withdrawal system can include a catheter adapter connector in fluid communication with the catheter adapter, and a blood withdrawal device in selective fluid communication with the catheter adapter connector. A first valve can be utilized to selectively allow fluid communication between the blood withdrawal device and the catheter adapter connector. An irrigation device can also be in selective fluid communication with the catheter adapter connector to irrigate the catheter adapter after a blood withdrawal procedure. A second valve can be utilized to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device and the catheter adapter connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to deliver fluids such as routine saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from a patient. Background Technology

[0002] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral venous catheter (“PIVC”). As its name suggests, the over-the-needle peripheral venous catheter is fitted onto a guide needle with a sharp distal end. The peripheral venous catheter and guide needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the peripheral venous catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The peripheral venous catheter and guide needle are typically inserted into the patient's blood vessel, such as an artery, vein, or other vascular system, through the skin at a shallow angle. Once the peripheral venous catheter is correctly positioned in the vessel, the guide needle can be withdrawn and the peripheral venous catheter can be secured in place within the vessel by bandaging the catheter adapter (attached to the peripheral venous catheter) to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] Clinicians can draw blood from patients using a properly placed catheter. Furthermore, blood draw procedures are typically performed only with newly inserted catheters to avoid certain risks. For example, in a blood draw procedure, a clinician typically: (1) inserts a new catheter / catheter adapter; (2) connects the blood draw device to the catheter adapter; (3) collects a blood sample from the patient using the blood draw device; (4) disconnects the blood draw device from the catheter adapter; (5) connects the flushing device to the catheter adapter; (6) flushes the catheter / catheter adapter with the flushing device; and (7) disconnects the flushing device from the catheter adapter.

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

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that address all drawbacks or operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate an example technical field in which some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to blood collection apparatuses, systems, and methods. The various blood collection apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein were developed in response to the current state of the prior art, and in particular to the problems and needs for which currently available apparatuses, systems, and methods for collecting blood from patients in the prior art have not been fully resolved.

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one conduit adapter connector may include at least one of a needle, a winged needle kit, a needleless connector, a Luer locking connector, a Luer sliding connector, a Luer tapered connector, an extension kit, and an extension tube.

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

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the flushing device may include a syringe filled with a 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 adapter 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 adapter connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter adapter connector may include a needle that is at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the 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 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 also include an elastic member configured to bias the needle stop in a closed position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the elastic 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 adapter, such that when the second engagement surface of the catheter adapter engages with the first engagement surface of the needle stop, the needle stop moves from a closed position to an open position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protective needle housing may include an engagement feature configured to attach the protective needle housing to the catheter adapter.

[0019] In some embodiments, the distal end of the needle may include a closed end and a suction hole formed in the sidewall of the needle near the closed end.

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

[0021] In some embodiments, a method of drawing blood from a patient using a blood extraction system may include coupling at least one catheter adapter connector to a catheter adapter to position the at least one catheter adapter connector in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The method may further include adjusting a first valve to allow fluid communication between at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one blood extraction device may be configured to draw blood from a patient's blood vessels. The method may further include aspirating blood through the at least one catheter adapter connector into the at least one blood extraction device. The method may further include adjusting the first valve to block fluid communication between the at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may further include adjusting a second valve to allow fluid communication between a flushing device and the at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may further include flushing the catheter adapter with fluid ejected from 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 adapter connector, and to allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device and the at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may also include aspirating blood through the at least one catheter adapter connector into the second blood extraction device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter adapter connector may include a first catheter adapter connector and a second catheter adapter connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one conduit adapter connector may include at least one of a needle, a winged needle kit, a needleless connector, a Luer locking connector, a Luer sliding connector, a Luer tapered connector, an extension kit, and an extension tube.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one catheter adapter connector may include a needle that is 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 plug valve, a two-way plug valve, a three-way plug valve, a check valve, a sliding clamp, and a clamping clamp.

[0027] It should be understood that the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are illustrative and exemplary of embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed, and not restrictive. It should be understood that 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 embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made (unless required). Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Example embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional features and details using the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of an example catheter system based on some implementation methods;

[0030] Figure 1B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 1A Top cross-sectional view of the conduit system;

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

[0032] Figure 2B It is in the closed position according to some implementation methods. Figure 2AFront view of the protective pin housing;

[0033] Figure 2C It is in the open position according to some implementation methods. Figure 2A Front view of the protective pin housing;

[0034] Figure 2D It is in the closed position according to some implementation methods. Figure 2A Side cross-sectional view of the protective pin housing;

[0035] Figure 2E It is in the open position according to some implementation methods. Figure 2A Side cross-sectional view of the protective pin housing;

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

[0037] Figure 3B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 3A Detailed view of the distal end of the needle;

[0038] Figure 3C It is based on some implementation methods Figure 3A A detailed view of the middle part of the needle;

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

[0040] Figure 4B It is in the open position according to some implementation methods. Figure 4A Side cross-sectional view of the protective needle housing system;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of an example conduit adapter according to some implementation methods;

[0042] Figure 6 It is based on some implementation methods and is in the closed position. Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5 Side cross-sectional view of the conduit adapter;

[0043] Figure 7 It is in the open position according to some implementation methods. Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5 Side cross-sectional view of the conduit adapter;

[0044] Figure 8 It is in the open position according to some implementation methods. Figure 4A The protective needle housing system is connected Figure 5A side cross-sectional view of the catheter adapter, in which the needle moves distally within the catheter adapter;

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

[0046] Figure 9B It is in the open position according to the alternative implementation method. Figure 9A Front view of the protective pin housing;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, these drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar parts are always represented by similar numbers. It will be readily understood that, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the components of this disclosure can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of embodiments of the devices and systems shown in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority to this application, but merely to illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

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

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

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

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

[0061] The catheter system 10 may include straight, ported, integrated, and conventional catheters. For example, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be integrated, having an extension tube 34 integrated within the catheter adapter body 16, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA (trademark) closed intravenous catheter system, the BD NEXIVA (trademark) DIFFUSICS (trademark) closed intravenous catheter system, the BD PEGASUS (trademark) safety closed IV catheter system, or other integrated catheter systems. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be non-integrated and without the extension tube 34.

[0062] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be open to allow observation of blood and to facilitate proximal blood flow within the guide needle 30 and / or catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be open in any suitable manner. For example, an opening plug 38 may be coupled to the adapter 36 during insertion of the catheter 22 into the patient. In some embodiments, the opening plug 38 may be air-permeable but blood-impermeable. In some embodiments, the catheter 22, catheter adapter body 16, extension tube 34, adapter 36, and opening plug 38 may be in fluid communication. As another example, in some embodiments, the needle hub 28 may include a flashback cavity.

[0063] Figures 2A-2E Several views of a protective pin housing 200 according to some embodiments are shown. Specifically, Figure 2A This is a 3D view of the protective pin housing 200; Figure 2B This is a front view of the protective pin housing 200 in the closed position; Figure 2C This is a front view of the protective pin housing 200 in the open position; Figure 2D This is a side cross-sectional view of the protective pin housing 200 in the closed position; and Figure 2E This 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, a mating feature 210 located at the distal end 202 of the protective needle housing 200, a mating 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 stop 220 including one or more of the following: an opening 230, a first mating surface 261, and an elastic member 250. Reference will be made below. Figures 4A to 8 The operation of the protective needle housing 200 will be discussed in more detail.

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

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

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

[0068] The needle 300 can be held proximally within the protective needle housing 200 via a buffer 330 protruding from the needle cannula 305. The maximum outer diameter of the buffer 330 can be larger than the reduced inner diameter portion 242 of the needle channel 240. Therefore, when the clinician pulls the needle 300 proximally, the buffer 330 can be configured to prevent the needle 300 from moving too far proximally and thus failing to hold the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200. The needle 300 can also be held in the closed position when the needle stop 220 is in the closed position (see...). Figure 4A When the needle is in the open position (see needle stop 220), it is held in place within the protective needle housing 200 in the distal direction. Figure 4B The needle is held distally within the needle protector housing 200 by the needle seat 340. Therefore, when the clinician pushes the needle 300 distally, the needle stop 220 and / or the needle seat 340 can prevent the needle 300 from moving too far distally and thus failing to hold it within the needle protector housing 200. In this way, 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 holding the closed end 310 of the needle 300 within the needle protector housing 200 provides a higher level of safety for the clinician to avoid accidental needlesticking. The closed end 310 also reduces hemolysis and reduces punctures and contamination caused by the closed end 310 puncturing the diaphragm.

[0069] As previously mentioned, the needle stop 220 can be configured to be in the closed position (e.g., see...). Figure 2A , 2B (2D and 4A) and open position (for example, see Figure 2C , 2E The needle stop 220 can prevent the needle 300 from moving 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 Figure 4B. Figure 4A As shown. In the open position, the orifice 230 formed in the needle stop 220 can be aligned with the needle channel 240 so that the needle 300 can advance distally within the needle channel 240, as shown. Figure 4B As shown.

[0070] The resilient member 250 can be configured to apply a biasing force to the needle stop 220 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 an up / closed position. However, it should be understood that other biasing configurations are considered herein (e.g., see...). Figure 9A and 9B ).

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

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

[0073] Figure 6-8 The connection to, according to some implementations, is shown. Figure 4A 400 Protective pin housing system Figure 5 Various views of the conduit adapter 500. Specifically, Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit adapter 500 connected to the protective needle housing system 400 in the closed position; Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter adapter 500 fully connected to the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position; and Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter adapter 500 connected to the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position, wherein the needle 300 is moved distally and protrudes into the interior of the catheter adapter 500.

[0074] Figure 6The proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter 500 is shown, which is slidably received in the engagement feature 210 of the protective needle housing 200. When the proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter 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 adapter 500. Both the first engagement surface 261 of the needle stop 220 and the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500 can be angled towards the proximal direction. In this way, the first engagement surface 261 can be configured to engage the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500, such that when the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500 engages the first engagement surface 261 of the needle stop 220, the needle stop 220 moves from a closed position to an open position. Therefore, when the clinician fully engages the protective needle housing 200 with the catheter adapter 500 by moving the catheter adapter 500 in the direction of arrow 700, the needle stop 220 can automatically move from the closed position to the open position, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown. Once the needle stop 220 is moved to the open position, the clinician can freely move the needle 300 distally to insert it into the catheter adapter 500, as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0075] Figure 9A and 9B Two views of the protective pin housing 900 according to an alternative embodiment are shown. Specifically, Figure 9A This is a front view of the protective pin housing 900 in the closed position, and Figure 9B This is a front view of the protective pin housing 900 in the open position. Generally, the protective pin housing 900 may include... Figures 2A to 2E The protective needle housing 200 shown has similar features and structures, such as the engagement feature 910, needle stop 920, and orifice 930. However, the protective needle housing 900 can utilize an alternative structure including an elastic member 950 (e.g., a coil spring) and a needle stop arm 970, which can be configured to switch the needle stop 920 between an open and closed position. The needle stop 920 can also be configured to automatically move to the open position when connected to the catheter adapter 500.

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

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

[0078] Figure 10 The example blood collection kit 1000 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter 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 adapter connector 1010 may be configured to engage with a catheter adapter (not shown) such that the first catheter adapter connector 1010 is positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter may also include a catheter that can be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown). The first catheter adapter connector 1010 and any other catheter adapter connectors disclosed herein may include at least one of a needle, a winged needle kit, a needleless connector (e.g., a Q-SYTE [trademark] connector, a MAXZERO [trademark] connector, a SMARTSITE [trademark] connector, etc.), a Luer locking connector, a Luer sliding connector, a Luer tapered connector, an extension kit, and / or an extension tube.

[0080] The first blood extraction device 1021 may be positioned in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1010 via a first fluid conduit 1051 and a second fluid conduit 1052, the first fluid conduit 1051 and the second fluid conduit 1052 being coupled together via a first connector 1061. The first blood extraction device 1021, as well as any other blood extraction device disclosed herein, may be configured to extract blood from a patient's blood vessels and may include at least one of a syringe and a VACUTAINER (trademark).

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

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

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

[0084] Figure 11 The example blood collection kit 1100 shown may generally include: a first catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1110 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1170 such that the first catheter adapter connector 1110 and the catheter adapter 1170 are positioned in fluid communication. The catheter adapter 1170 may also include a catheter 1171, which may be placed inside a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0086] The first blood extraction device 1121 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via a first fluid tube 1151 and a second fluid tube 1152, the first fluid tube 1151 and the second fluid tube 1152 being fluidly connected via a first connector 1161.

[0087] The first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood aspiration device 1121 and the first catheter adapter connector 1110. Once the first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 have been moved to the open position, a clinician can aspirate blood into the first blood aspiration 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 aspiration procedure.

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

[0089] The first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1122 and the first catheter adapter connector 1110. Once the first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 have each been moved to the open position, a clinician may draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1122. The first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 may then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps during the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood extraction 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 extraction device 1121.

[0090] The flushing device 1140 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1170 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1140 after blood has been drawn from the patient. The flushing device 1140 can be positioned to selectively fluidly communicate with the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via a first fluid tube 1151, a third fluid tube 1153, and a fifth fluid tube 1155, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1161 and / or a second connector 1162.

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

[0092] Figure 12 The example blood collection kit 1200 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1210 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1270 such that the first catheter adapter connector 1210 is positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1270. The catheter adapter 1270 may also include a catheter 1271, which may be placed inside a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0094] The first blood extraction device 1221 can be positioned to be selectively fluidly connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via a first fluid tube 1251 and a second fluid tube 1252, the first fluid tube 1251 and the second fluid tube 1252 being fluidly connected via a first connector 1261.

[0095] The first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood aspiration device 1221 and the first catheter adapter connector 1210. Once the first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 have been moved to the open position, a clinician can draw blood into the first blood aspiration 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 aspiration procedure.

[0096] The second blood extraction device 1222 can be positioned to be selectively fluidly connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via the first fluid tube 1251, the fourth fluid tube 1254 and the fifth fluid tube 1255, which can be fluidly connected via the first connector 1261.

[0097] The first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1222 and the first catheter adapter connector 1210. Once the first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 have been moved to the open position relative to the second blood extraction device 1222, a clinician can draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1222. The first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 can then be moved to the closed position relative to the second blood extraction device 1222 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood extraction 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 drawn into the first blood extraction device 1221.

[0098] The flushing device 1240 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1270 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1240 after blood is drawn from the patient. The flushing device 1240 can be positioned to selectively fluidly communicate with the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via a first fluid tube 1251, a third fluid tube 1253, and a fifth fluid tube 1255, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1261.

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

[0100] Figure 13The example blood collection kit 1300 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1310, a second catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1310 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1370 such that the first catheter adapter connector 1310 is positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1370. The catheter adapter 1370 may also include a catheter 1371, which may be placed inside a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0102] The first blood extraction device 1321 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1310 via a first fluid tube 1351 and a second fluid tube 1352, the first fluid tube 1351 and the second fluid tube 1352 being fluidly connected via a first connector 1361.

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

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

[0105] The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1322 and the first catheter adapter connector 1310. Once the first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 have each been moved to the open position, a clinician can draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1322. The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 can then be moved to the closed position as needed for subsequent steps in the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood extraction 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 extraction device 1321.

[0106] The flushing device 1340 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1370 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1340 after blood has been withdrawn from the patient. The flushing device 1340 can be positioned to selectively fluidly communicate with the first catheter adapter connector 1310 via a first fluid tube 1351, a third fluid tube 1353, and a fifth fluid tube 1355, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1361 and / or a second connector 1362.

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

[0108] Figure 14 The example blood collection device 1400 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1410, a second catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1410 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1470 such that the first catheter adapter connector 1410 is positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1470. The catheter adapter 1470 may also include a catheter 1471, which may be placed within a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0110] The first blood extraction device 1421 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid tube 1451 and a second fluid tube 1452, the first fluid tube 1451 and the second fluid tube 1452 being fluidly connected via a first connector 1461.

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

[0112] The second blood extraction device 1422 can be positioned to be selectively fluidly connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid tube 1451, a fourth fluid tube 1454, and a fifth fluid tube 1455, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1461.

[0113] The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1422 and the first catheter adapter connector 1410. Once the first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 have each been moved to the open position for the second blood extraction device 1422, a clinician can draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1422. The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 can then be moved to the closed position for the second blood extraction device 1422 as needed for subsequent steps during the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood extraction 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 extraction device 1421.

[0114] The flushing device 1440 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1470 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1440 after blood has been drawn from the patient. The flushing device 1440 can be positioned to be selectively fluidly connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid tube 1451, a third fluid tube 1453, and a fifth fluid tube 1455, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1461.

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

[0116] Figure 15 The example blood collection kit 1500 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1510, a second catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1510 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1570 such that the first catheter adapter connector 1510 is positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1570. The catheter adapter 1570 may also include a catheter 1571, which may be placed inside a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0118] The first blood extraction device 1521 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1510 via a first fluid tube 1551 and a second fluid tube 1552, the first fluid tube 1551 and the second fluid tube 1552 being fluidly connected via a first connector 1561.

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

[0120] The second blood extraction device 1522 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the first catheter adapter connector 1510 via a first fluid tube 1551 and a fourth fluid tube 1554, which can be fluidly connected via a first connector 1561.

[0121] The first valve 1531 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1522 and the first catheter adapter connector 1510. Once the first valve 1531 has been moved to the open position for the second blood extraction device 1522, a clinician can draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1522. The first valve 1531 can then be moved to the closed position for the second blood extraction device 1522 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood can be drawn into the second blood extraction device 1522 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 extraction device 1521.

[0122] The flushing device 1540 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1570 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1540 after blood has been drawn from the patient. The flushing device 1540 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the second catheter adapter connector 1512 via a third fluid conduit 1553, which can be fluidly connected to the flushing device 1540 via a second connector 1562.

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

[0124] Figure 16The example blood collection kit 1600 shown may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1610, a second catheter adapter 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] The first catheter adapter connector 1610 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1670 to allow the first catheter adapter connector 1610 to be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1670. The catheter adapter 1670 may also include a catheter 1671, which may be placed inside a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0126] The first blood extraction device 1621 can be positioned to selectively fluid communicate with the first catheter adapter connector 1610 via a first fluid tube 1651, and the first fluid tube 1651 can be fluidly connected to the first blood extraction device 1621 via a first connector 1661.

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

[0128] The second blood extraction device 1622 can be positioned to selectively fluid communicate with the second catheter adapter connector 1612 via the second fluid tube 1652 and the fourth fluid tube 1654, which can be fluidly connected via the second connector 1662.

[0129] The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood extraction device 1622 and the second catheter adapter connector 1612. Once the second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 have each been moved to the open position for the second blood extraction device 1622, a clinician can draw blood into the second blood extraction device 1622. The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 can then be moved to the closed position for the second blood extraction device 1622 as needed during subsequent steps of the blood extraction procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood extraction 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 extraction device 1621.

[0130] The flushing device 1640 can be configured to flush the catheter adapter 1670 with fluid sprayed by the flushing device 1640 after blood has been drawn from the patient. The flushing device 1640 can be positioned to be in selective fluid communication with the second catheter adapter connector 1612 via a second fluid tube 1652 and a third fluid tube 1653, which can be fluidly connected via a second connector 1662.

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

[0132] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a method 1700 for drawing blood from a patient via a blood collection system according to some embodiments. Generally, method 1700 may include the use of any blood collection kit or any part of any blood collection kit disclosed herein.

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

[0134] Once the catheter adapter connector has been connected to the catheter adapter, method 1700 can proceed to step 1720, in which a first valve can be adjusted to allow fluid communication between at least one blood extraction device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one blood extraction device may be configured to extract blood from a patient's blood vessel via a catheter, catheter adapter, catheter adapter connector, and one or more fluid lines.

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

[0136] Once blood has been drawn into the at least one blood extraction device via the at least one catheter adapter connector, method 1700 can proceed to step 1740, in which a first valve can be adjusted to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter adapter connector.

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

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

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

[0140] All methods disclosed herein include 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. Furthermore, any method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with each other. In other words, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified unless the correct operation of the implementation requires a specific order of steps or actions.

[0141] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "this embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, references or variations thereof throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any embodiment of this disclosure, or any part thereof, can be combined in any number of different ways.

[0142] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of the embodiments, for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure, various features are sometimes combined in a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, the format of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive aspect lies in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following this description of embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this description of embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims and their dependent claims.

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

[0144] This instruction manual uses standard medical guidance, reference planes, and descriptive terminology. 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 side away from the midline of the body. Axial refers to the central axis of the body. Abaxial refers to the side away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral refers to the side of the body on the same side. Contralateral refers to the side of the body on opposite sides. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves. The midsagittal plane divides the body into symmetrical right and left halves. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior parts. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts. These descriptive terms can be applied to living or non-living bodies.

[0145] The phrases “connected to,” “linked to,” “joined with,” and “connected to” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Even if two components are not in direct contact with each other, they can be functionally connected. The term “adjacent” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although these items do not necessarily have to be attached together. The phrase “fluid connectivity” refers to two features connected such that fluid within one feature can enter the other.

[0146] As defined in this article, “substantially equal to” means “equal to” each other or within a relative deviation of approximately plus or minus 10%.

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

[0148] Although specific embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art can 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 aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the inventive conception made by the inventors for further development of the art, and should be construed as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A blood extraction system, the blood extraction system comprising: At least one catheter adapter connector configured to engage with a catheter adapter and to be positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter; At least one blood extraction device selectively fluidly communicates with the at least one catheter adapter connector, the at least one blood extraction device being configured to extract blood from a patient's blood vessels; A first valve is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the at least one blood extraction device and the at least one catheter adapter connector; A flushing device, which is selectively in fluid communication with the at least one conduit adapter connector, is configured to flush the conduit adapter with fluid ejected from the flushing device; as well as A second valve is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the flushing device and the at least one conduit adapter connector; Wherein, the at least one catheter adapter connector includes a needle at least partially housed within a protective needle housing, the protective needle housing comprising: A needle channel, the needle channel being configured to receive at least a portion of the needle; and A movable needle stop, configured to prevent the needle from advancing distally through the needle channel. The needle stop includes a first engagement surface configured to engage with a second engagement surface of the catheter adapter, such that when the second engagement surface of the catheter adapter engages with the first engagement surface of the needle stop, the needle stop moves from a closed position to an open position.

2. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The movable needle stop is configured to prevent the needle from advancing distally in the closed position and to allow the needle to advance distally in the open position.

3. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The movable needle stop includes an orifice that can be aligned with the needle channel in the open position.

4. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The movable needle stop includes an engagement portion configured to mechanically interact with a corresponding portion of the catheter adapter to transition from the closed position to the open position.

5. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, When the protective needle housing is connected to the catheter adapter, the transition from the closed position to the open position occurs automatically.

6. The blood extraction system of claim 1, wherein the protective needle housing further includes a biasing member configured to bias the movable needle stop toward the closed position.

7. The blood extraction system according to claim 6, wherein, The biasing member includes at least one of a spring clip or a coil spring.

8. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one conduit adapter connector includes at least one of the following: Needle; Wing needle kit; Pinless connector; Luer locking connector; Luer sliding connector; Luer tapered connector; Extension kit; and Extension tube.

9. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one blood extraction device includes at least one of a syringe and a vacuum extraction tube.

10. 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 clip; and Clamp tightly.

11. The blood extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The flushing device includes a syringe containing a saline solution.

12. The blood extraction system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid tube configured to place the flushing device and / or the blood extraction device in fluid communication with the catheter adapter connector.

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