Blood collection device with improved blood collection time

Abstract

A blood collection device including a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, an actuator, and a probe operably coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to selectively advance the probe through a catheter of the vascular access device when the blood collection device is coupled to the vascular access device. The probe includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion and proximal portion of the probe being formed of different materials, and configured such that only the distal portion of the probe extends at least partially beyond the distal tip of the catheter of the vascular access device when the probe is in a fully advanced position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399,887, filed August 22, 2022, entitled "Blood Collection Device with Improved Blood Collection Time," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for collecting blood samples from a vascular access device, such as, for example, a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). More specifically, the systems described herein include a blood collection device configured to improve blood collection rate. [Background technology]

[0003] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters may be used to infuse fluids, such as saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Catheters may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0004]

[0003] Blood sampling using peripheral venous IV catheters can be difficult for several reasons, particularly when the catheter is left in place for more than a day. For example, when a catheter is left in a patient for an extended period of time, the catheter may become more susceptible to stenosis, breakage, kinking, blockage by debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet clots), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vasculature. For this reason, catheters are often used to collect blood samples at the time of catheterization but much less frequently to collect blood samples during the catheter dwell period.

[0005] Therefore, blood collection devices have been developed for collecting blood samples through an existing PIVC. These blood collection devices include a probe or flow tube that is attached to the PIVC and advanced through the PIVC, past the catheter tip, and into the blood vessel to collect the blood sample. After blood collection, the blood collection device is removed from the PIVC and discarded. One example of such a blood collection device is known as PIVO™ from Becton, Dickinson and Company and is shown and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 11,090,461, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] 1 illustrates a blood collection system 10 including such a "line draw" blood collection device 12. The blood collection device 12 includes an introducer body 14 and an actuator 16. The actuator 16 is configured to be linearly displaceable by a clinician along a track or other feature of the introducer body 14 between a proximal end portion 18 and a distal end portion 20 of the introducer body 14. The actuator 16 is operably coupled to an elongated probe 48 to advance and retract the probe 48 through a distal core portion (not shown) located near the distal end portion 20 of the introducer body 14, thereby enabling the probe 48 to enter the patient's vasculature via an indwelling catheter 46 when the blood collection device 12 is coupled to a catheter adapter 44.

[0007] The connector member 22 is configured to selectively couple the blood collection device 12 to, for example, a needleless access connector 42 extending from a catheter adapter 44. The proximal extension tube 26 extends from the proximal end portion 18 of the introducer body 14, and the proximal extension tube 26 is fluidly coupled to a probe 48 of the blood collection device 12. An occlusion device 28, such as, for example, a clamp, may be provided in line with the proximal extension tube 26 to allow a user to selectively block fluid flow through the proximal extension tube 26. A proximal connector 30 may be provided at the proximal end of the proximal extension tube 26 such that the blood collection system 10 can be coupled to an appropriate blood collection interface, such as, for example, a Luer lock access device, thereby enabling blood collection via the blood collection device 12.

[0008] While blood collection devices such as blood collection device 12 are successful in enabling blood collection through a catheter for longer indwelling periods, the rate of blood collection using such devices is often very slow because the blood flow path is restricted within elongated probe 48 and proximal extension tube 26. Because probe 48 is configured to extend beyond the distal tip of catheter 46, the diameter of probe 48 must be smaller than the inner diameter of the distal tip of catheter 46, thereby limiting the rate of blood collection, especially when used with small gauge (e.g., 24G) catheters. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a blood collection device includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, an actuator, and a probe operably coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively advance the probe through a catheter of the vascular access device when the blood collection device is coupled to the vascular access device. The probe includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion and proximal portion of the probe being formed of different materials, and the distal portion of the probe is configured to extend at least partially beyond the distal tip of the catheter of the vascular access device when the probe is in a fully advanced position.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the distal portion of the probe includes a tubular section and the proximal portion of the probe includes a wire section. The proximal portion of the probe may further include at least one coil section. The distal portion of the probe may further include a distal coil disposed at a distal end of the tubular section. The distal end of the tubular section may be capped.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the tubular section includes at least one perforation formed in its sidewall. The wire section may be bonded to a proximal end portion of the tubular section via an adhesive. The tubular section and the wire section may be co-extruded.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the distal portion of the probe includes a wire coil and the proximal portion of the probe includes a solid flexible rod. The wire coil may include a variable pitch wire coil. The wire coil may include an atraumatic tip. The distal portion of the probe may include a nitinol tubing section.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the proximal portion of the probe may include a polyurethane tubular section. The inner diameter of the nitinol tubular section may be smaller than the inner diameter of the polyurethane tubular section. The nitinol tubular section and the polyurethane tubular section may be joined by a contraction joint.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for collecting a blood sample from a patient includes providing a vascular access device including a catheter adapter and a catheter, inserting the catheter of the vascular access device into a vein of the patient, and providing a blood collection device. The blood collection device includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, an actuator, and a probe operably coupled to the actuator. The probe includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion and proximal portion of the probe being formed of different materials. The method also includes coupling the blood collection device to the vascular access device, advancing the probe of the blood collection device through the vascular access device such that only the distal portion of the probe extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter, and aspirating blood into the catheter through the distal portion of the probe.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the probe is at least partially disposed within the tubular tube, and the tubular tube is circumferentially spaced from the probe. The tubular tube 104 and the probe 106 can be configured to be selectively advanced through the vascular access device. The method can also include collecting blood into a blood collection container. The blood collection container can be fluidly coupled to the blood collection device. The blood collection container can be fluidly coupled to a catheter adapter. The method can also include advancing the probe through a first port of the catheter adapter and withdrawing a blood sample through a second port of the catheter adapter.

[0016] Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art blood collection system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a probe and catheter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is a partial side view of the probe of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a partial cross-sectional view of the probe of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a partial side view of a probe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3B is a partial side view of the probe of FIG. 3A and a cross-sectional view of a catheter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a partial side view of the probe of FIG. 3A in a first configuration. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a partial side view of the probe of FIG. 3A in a second configuration. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional end view of the probe of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a probe and catheter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 4 indicated by section 4A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a probe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vascular access device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for practicing the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Hereinafter, for purposes of explanation, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "transverse," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, it will be understood that the present invention may be subject to various alternative modifications unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As such, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0020] In this disclosure, the distal end of a component or device means the end farthest from a user's hand when the component or device is in the use position, i.e., when a user is holding the blood collection device in preparation for or during use, and the proximal end means the end closest to the user's hand. Similarly, in this application, the terms "distally" and "distally" mean a direction toward the access connector portion of the blood collection device, and the terms "proximally" and "proximally" mean a direction opposite to the direction of the connector.

[0021] Although not shown or described herein, it will be understood that the blood collection systems described below may be utilized for blood collection from any suitable vascular access device, such as, for example, a BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, a BD CATHENA™ Catheter System, a BD VENFLON™ Pro Safely Shielded IV Catheter System, a BD NEOFLON™ IV Cannula System, a BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter System, or another suitable vascular access device.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described primarily in the context of a blood sample collection system for use with a PIVC, however, embodiments of the present disclosure extend equally to use with other catheter devices.

[0023] 2A-2C, partial views of a blood collection system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Although not shown, it should be understood that blood collection system 50 may include a blood collection device, such as, for example, a PIVO™ device from Becton, Dickinson and Company, as well as a vascular access device, such as, for example, a BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, a BD CATHENA™ Catheter System, a BD VENFLON™ Pro Safely Shielded IV Catheter System, a BD NEOFLON™ IV Cannula System, a BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter System, or another suitable vascular access device.

[0024] Blood collection system 50 includes a catheter 52 having a tapered distal end 54 and an internal conduit 56 formed therethrough. Similar to catheter 46 described above with respect to FIG. 1, catheter 52 may extend from a catheter adapter of a vascular access system to provide access to a patient's vascular system when placed. Catheter 52 may be formed of any suitable material and may be any suitable length and gauge, such as, for example, 18G, 20G, 22G, 24G, etc.

[0025] Blood collection system 50 further includes a probe 60. While not shown, it should be understood that probe 60 is configured to be selectively advanced through catheter 52 by a blood collection device, such as, for example, a PIVO™ device from Becton, Dickinson and Company. However, unlike probe 48 described above with respect to FIG. 1 , which has a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length, probe 60 includes two or more distinct sections that are configured to increase blood collection speed by minimizing the tubular section of probe 60 that extends beyond tapered distal end 54 of catheter 52 to a fully advanced position.

[0026] 2A-2C, probe 60 includes a proximal wire section 62 and a distal tubular section 66. Although not shown, it should be understood that proximal wire section 62 is configured to be coupled to an actuator of a blood collection device to allow advancement of probe 60 through catheter 52. In some embodiments, proximal wire section 62 may include one or more coil sections 64, and may include any combination of wires and coils.

[0027] 2A shows the probe 60 in its distal-most position as it advances through the catheter 52, with the distal tubular section 66 extending beyond the distal end 54 of the catheter 52 into the patient's vein, while the proximal wire section 62 remains within the internal conduit 56 of the catheter 52. In this manner, blood can be drawn into (or otherwise enter) the distal tubular section 66 for collection in a suitable container coupled to a blood collection device, the distal tubular section 66 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the distal end 54 of the catheter 52 to permit passage of the probe 60. However, because the length of the distal tubular section 66 extends only to the distal end 54 of the catheter 52 in the fully advanced position of the probe 60, flow restrictions caused by the relatively small inner diameter of the distal tubular section 66 can be minimized. Instead, blood flowing from distal tubular section 66 exits distal tubular section 66 slightly proximal to distal end 54, thereby allowing the blood sample to flow around proximal wire section 62 and through internal conduit 56 of catheter 52 to a blood collection device. Because internal conduit 56 has an inner diameter significantly larger than the inner diameter of distal tubular section 66, the collection rate of the blood sample may be increased compared to prior art probe devices.

[0028] 2A , in some embodiments, the distal tubular section 66 may include a distal coil 68, which may be capped to provide an atraumatic tip for the probe 60 to help prevent damage to the inner wall of the patient's vein as the probe 60 advances from the catheter 50. Additionally, capping the distal end of the distal coil 68 may also prevent thrombus entrapment during deployment of the probe 60. With reference to FIG. 2B , in other embodiments, the distal tubular section 66 may include one or more perforations 70 formed through its sidewall, and a distal cap 72 is provided to close the distal end of the distal tubular section 66. The perforations 70 may be configured to provide an entrance for blood into the probe 60.

[0029] 2C, in some embodiments, the proximal wire section 62 may be coupled to a proximal end portion 74 of the distal tubular section 66, with only the distal end portion 76 of the proximal wire section 62 being held via overmolding with the distal tubular section 66. In some embodiments, the distal end portion 76 of the proximal wire section 62 may be held within the distal tubular section 66 via an adhesive, such as, for example, glue. As shown in FIG. 2C, the proximal end portion 74 may include an opening 78 formed to allow blood to flow therethrough, with the proximal wire section 62 being offset from the opening 78.

[0030] 3A-3E, a probe 80 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Unlike probe 60 described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C, which includes only a small distal portion of proximal wire section 62 overmolded and / or adhesively held by distal tubular section 66, probe 80 is first formed such that advancement wire 82 is co-extruded with tubular section 84. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, a proximal length 85 of tubular section 84 can be peeled from advancement wire 82, leaving the proximal section of advancement wire 82 extending from tubular section 84, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D.

[0031] In some embodiments, tubular section 84 may include a distal opening 86 that allows blood to flow therethrough. However, in other embodiments, the distal end of tubular section 84 may be capped and / or configured to provide an atraumatic tip. As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, tubular section 84 may include multiple side openings 88 to allow blood to enter tubular section 84 for collection in a blood collection container (not shown).

[0032] 3B shows probe 80 in a distally advanced position, with advancement wire 82 remaining within catheter 90 and at least a portion of tubular section 84 extending beyond the distal tip 92 of catheter 90. In this manner, blood can be drawn into (or otherwise entered into) tubular section 84 for collection in an appropriate container coupled to a blood collection device. However, because the length of tubular section 84 extends only to the distal tip 92 of catheter 90 in the fully advanced position of probe 80, flow restriction caused by the relatively small inner diameter of tubular section 84 is minimized, thereby allowing the blood sample to flow around advancement wire 82, through the internal conduit of catheter 90, and to the blood collection device, resulting in an increased blood sample flow rate compared to prior art probe devices.

[0033] 4, a blood collection system 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Although not shown, it should be understood that blood collection system 100 may include a blood collection device, such as, for example, a PIVO™ device from Becton, Dickinson and Company, as well as a vascular access device, such as, for example, a BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, a BD CATHENA™ Catheter System, a BD VENFLON™ Pro Safely Shielded IV Catheter System, a BD NEOFLON™ IV Cannula System, a BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter System, or another suitable vascular access device.

[0034] The blood collection system 100 includes a catheter 108 having a tapered distal end 109, which extends from a catheter adapter 102 of a vascular access device. Although not shown, it should be understood that the catheter adapter 102 may be coupled to, for example, an integral extension set.

[0035] Additionally, blood collection system 100 includes probe 106 inside tubular tube 104 such that tubular tube 104 can be circumferentially spaced from probe 106. While not shown, it should be understood that probe 106, along with tubular tube 104, is configured to be selectively advanced through catheter adapter 102 and at least partially advanced through catheter 108 by a blood collection device, such as, for example, a Becton, Dickinson and Company pivo™ device. As shown in FIG. 4A , blood can flow through the interior space (as indicated by flow direction indicator 103), around probe 106, and within tubular tube 104. Probe 106 can be configured, for example, as a solid, flexible rod formed of any suitable material.

[0036] 4 , a wire coil 112 is coupled to the distal end portion 110 of the probe 106. In some embodiments, the wire coil 112 is a variable-pitch wire coil. Thus, as the probe 106 advances through the catheter 108 toward its distal-most position, only the wire coil 112 extends beyond the distal end 109 of the catheter 108 into the patient's vein, with the solid, flexible rod portion of the probe 106 remaining within the internal conduit of the catheter 108. In this manner, the fluid-permeable wire coil 112 facilitates blood collection into the catheter 108 in the presence of a thrombus around the distal end 109 of the catheter 108, avoiding the high fluid resistance of prior art probes formed as elongated tubes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tubular tube 104 extending only within the catheter adapter 102 in the fully advanced position may further act to minimize potential sample contamination from, for example, any residual drug not previously flushed from within the catheter adapter 102 prior to a blood collection procedure.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5 , a probe 120 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. While not shown, it should be understood that the probe 120 may be configured to be selectively advanced through a vascular access device by a blood collection device, such as, for example, a Becton, Dickinson and Company PIVO™ device. The probe 120 includes a proximal tubular section 122 formed of, for example, polyurethane, a nitinol distal tubular section 126, and a contraction joint 124 connecting the proximal tubular section 122 and the nitinol distal tubular section 126. Nitinol is a nickel and titanium alloy with high elasticity and “shape memory” properties. Thus, the nitinol distal tubular section 126 may be formed with a thinner wall than conventional probes, thereby increasing the inner diameter, i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid path, at the distal portion of the probe 120, which is typically the most fluid-restrictive portion of the probe. Such increased cross-sectional area at the distal portion of the probe 120 may increase the flow rate through the probe 120. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the nitinol distal tubular section 126 can be replaced with a polyimide tubing.

[0038] 6, a blood collection system 130 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The blood collection system 130 includes a vascular access device 132 having a catheter 134 extending from the vascular access device 132, the catheter 134 having a distal tip 136. An adapter 140 is coupled to the vascular access device 132. In some embodiments, the adapter 140 may be coupled to the vascular access device 132 by, for example, a length of extension tubing 138. However, it should be understood that the adapter 140 may be integral with the vascular access device 132.

[0039] 6, adapter 140 may include at least two access ports, a first access port may be coupled to first extension tube 142, and a second access port may be coupled to second extension tube 144. First extension tube 142 may provide a non-fluid collection path, and second extension tube 144 may be configured for fluid collection, more specifically, blood sample collection. In some embodiments, second extension tube 144 may be coupled to a blood collection interface, such as, for example, a Luer lock access device 160, which may be configured to receive a blood collection container 162 therein for collection of one or more blood samples.

[0040] Blood collection system 130 may further include probe 150, which is configured to extend through extension tube 138 and at least a portion of catheter 134 when in a fully advanced position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, probe 150 is a solid, flexible rod, and a proximal end of probe 150 is configured to pass through male Luer connector 141 of extension tube 138. In some embodiments, probe 150 may be advanced through adapter 140 and catheter 134 by a blood collection device, such as, for example, a PIVO™ device from Becton, Dickinson and Company. However, in other embodiments, probe 150 may be advanced and positioned within vascular access device 132 by another alternative means.

[0041] 6 , a wire coil 152 is coupled to a distal end portion of the probe 150. In some embodiments, the wire coil 152 is a variable-pitch wire coil. In some embodiments, the wire coil 152 may include an atraumatic tip 153. As the probe 150 is advanced or otherwise deployed through the catheter 134 toward its distal-most position, only the wire coil 152 extends beyond the distal end 136 of the catheter 134 into the patient's vein, with the solid, flexible rod portion of the probe 150 remaining within the internal conduit of the catheter 134. In this manner, the fluid-permeable wire coil 152 facilitates blood withdrawal into the catheter 134 in the presence of a thrombus around the distal end 136 of the catheter 134, avoiding the high fluid resistance of prior art probes formed as elongated tubes, thereby providing increased blood withdrawal rates compared to prior art probe concepts.

[0042] 6, adapter 140 is configured so that probe 150 (having wire coil 152) is inserted through a first port, while blood is withdrawn or otherwise received through a second port. Such a two-port configuration, combined with the low fluid resistance of fluid-permeable wire coil 152, allows blood to be drawn into blood collection container 162 at an increased flow rate.

[0043] While several embodiments of a blood collection system configured for blood collection from an indwelling catheter have been described in the foregoing detailed description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and variations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The invention as described above is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the invention that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A blood collection device comprising: a distal end portion; and a proximal end portion; and An actuator; a probe operably coupled to the actuator; Including, the actuator is configured to selectively advance the probe through a catheter of a vascular access device when the blood collection device is coupled to the vascular access device; the probe includes a distal portion and a proximal portion; the distal and proximal portions of the probe are formed of different materials; A blood collection device configured such that only the distal portion of the probe extends at least partially beyond the distal tip of the catheter of the vascular access device when the probe is in a fully advanced position.

2. The blood collection device of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the probe includes a tubular section and the proximal portion of the probe includes a wire section.

3. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the proximal portion of the probe further comprises at least one coil section.

4. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the distal portion of the probe further comprises a distal coil disposed at a distal end of the tubular section.

5. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the distal end of the tubular section is capped.

6. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the tubular section includes at least one perforation formed in a sidewall thereof.

7. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the wire section is coupled to the proximal end portion of the tubular section via an adhesive.

8. The blood collection device of claim 2 , wherein the tubular section and the wire section are co-extruded.

9. The blood collection device of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the probe comprises a wire coil and the proximal portion of the probe comprises a solid flexible rod.

10. The blood collection device of claim 9 , wherein the wire coil comprises a variable pitch wire coil.

11. The blood collection device of claim 9 , wherein the wire coil comprises an atraumatic tip.

12. The blood collection device of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the probe comprises a nitinol tubing section.

13. The blood collection device of claim 12 , wherein the proximal portion of the probe comprises a polyurethane tubing section.

14. The blood collection device of claim 13 , wherein the inner diameter of the nitinol tubular section is smaller than the inner diameter of the polyurethane tubular section.

15. The blood collection device of claim 13 , wherein the nitinol tubing section and the polyurethane tubing section are joined by a contraction joint.

16. 1. A method for collecting a blood sample from a patient, the method comprising: providing a vascular access device including a catheter adapter and a catheter; inserting the catheter of the vascular access device into a vein of the patient; A blood collection device is provided, the blood collection device comprising: a distal end portion; and a proximal end portion; and An actuator; a probe operably coupled to the actuator; Including, the probe comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion; providing a blood collection device, wherein the distal portion and the proximal portion of the probe are formed of different materials; coupling the blood collection device to the vascular access device; advancing the probe of the blood collection device through the vascular access device such that only the distal portion of the probe extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter; aspirating blood through the distal portion of the probe and into the catheter; 1. A method for collecting a blood sample from a patient, comprising:

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the probe is at least partially disposed within a tubular tube, the tubular tube being circumferentially spaced from the probe.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the tubular tube and the probe are configured for selective advancement through the vascular access device.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising collecting the blood in a blood collection container.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blood collection container is fluidly coupled to the blood collection device.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blood collection container is fluidly coupled to the catheter adapter.

22. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising advancing the probe through a first port of the catheter adapter and withdrawing a blood sample through a second port of the catheter adapter.

Images