Blood collection devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

The blood collection system may include a catheter adapter connector in fluid communication with the catheter adapter and a blood collection device in selective fluid communication with the catheter adapter connector. A first valve may be utilized to selectively allow fluid communication between the blood collection device and the catheter adapter connector. A cleaning device may also be selectively in fluid communication with the catheter adapter connector for cleaning the catheter adapter after a blood collection procedure. A second valve may be utilized to selectively allow fluid communication between the cleaning device and the catheter adapter connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood collection system, a protective needle housing system, and a method of collecting blood from a patient via the blood collection system.

Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter can be used to inject fluids such as saline, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Also, a catheter can be used to collect blood from a patient.

[0003] A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As its name implies, an over-the-needle PIVC can be attached onto an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and the introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with the needle bevel facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and the introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into a patient's blood vessel such as an artery, vein, or other vascular system of the patient. When the PIVC is properly positioned within the blood vessel, the introducer needle can be withdrawn and the PIVC can be fixed within the blood vessel by fixing a catheter adapter (coupled to the PIVC) to the patient's skin with a dressing. Other common types of catheters include, but are not limited to, a peripherally inserted central venous catheter ("PICC"), a central venous catheter ("CVC"), and the like.

[0004] A properly positioned catheter can be used by a clinician to collect blood from a patient. Furthermore, blood collection procedures are typically performed only with newly inserted catheters to avoid certain risks. For example, during a blood collection procedure, the clinician typically (1) inserts a new catheter / catheter adapter, (2) connects a blood collection device to the catheter adapter, (3) collects a blood sample from the patient using the blood collection device, (4) separates the blood collection device from the catheter adapter, (4) connects a flush device to the catheter adapter, (5) flushes the catheter / catheter adapter together with the flush device, and (6) separates the flush device from the catheter adapter.

[0005] However, each of these steps introduces complexity and inefficiency to the blood collection procedure (e.g., multiple connection / disconnection steps), restricts the procedure to a newly inserted catheter, and increases certain risks to 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 occlusion, and increased risk of catheter migration.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve any shortcomings or embodiments that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background art is provided merely to illustrate an example of the technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein can be carried out. [Overview of the project]

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to blood collection devices, systems, and methods. The various blood collection devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure have been developed in response to the current state of technology, and in particular to address problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully addressed by currently available devices, systems, and methods for collecting blood from patients.

[0008] In some embodiments, the blood collection system may include at least one catheter adapter connector configured to engage with a catheter adapter and to position at least one catheter adapter connector in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The blood collection system may also include at least one blood collection device that can selectively communicate with at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one blood collection device may be configured to collect blood from a patient's blood vessel. A first valve may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector. A irrigation device may selectively communicate with at least one catheter adapter connector, and the irrigation device may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter with fluid discharged from the irrigation device. A second valve may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device and at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one catheter adapter connector may include at least one of a needle, a winged needle set, a needleless connector, a Luer lock connector, a Luer slip connector, a Luer taper connector, an extension set, and an extension tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include at least one of a syringe and a vacuuminer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second valves may include at least one of a stopcock valve, a bidirectional stopcock valve, a three-way stopcock valve, a check valve, a slide clamp, and a pinch clamp.

[0012] In some embodiments, the washing device may include a syringe filled with saline solution.

[0013] In some embodiments, the blood collection system may further include at least one fluid conduit coupled to at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one fluid conduit may be configured to fluidly communicate with at least one of a irrigation device and at least one blood collection device to the at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one catheter adapter connector may include a needle that is at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, a protective needle housing system may include a needle and a protective needle housing. The protective needle housing may include a needle passage configured to receive at least a portion of the needle therein, and a needle block configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the needle block can prevent the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage. In the open position, an opening formed in the needle block is positioned aligned with the needle passage and can allow the needle to advance distally through the needle passage.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective needle housing system may also include an elastic member configured to bias the needle block to the closed position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the elastic member includes at least one of a spring clip and a helical spring.

[0018] In some embodiments, the needle block may include a first engagement surface configured to engage with a second engagement surface of a catheter adapter, and when the second engagement surface of the catheter adapter engages with the first engagement surface of the needle block, the needle block moves from a closed position to an open position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the protective needle housing may include an engagement mechanism configured to connect the protective needle housing to the catheter adapter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distal end of the needle may include a closed tip and a suction opening formed in the side wall of the needle adjacent to the closed tip.

[0021] In some embodiments, the needle may include a bumper configured to prevent the needle from moving proximal to the protective needle housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method for collecting blood from a patient via a blood collection system may include coupling at least one catheter adapter connector to a catheter adapter in order to position the catheter adapter in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The method may also include adjusting a first valve to allow fluid communication between at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one blood collection device may be configured to collect blood from a patient's blood vessel. The method may also include drawing blood into the at least one blood collection device via the at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may also include adjusting a first valve to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may further include adjusting a second valve to allow fluid communication between a irrigation device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may further include irrigating the catheter adapter with fluid discharged from the irrigation device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method may also include adjusting a second valve to prevent fluid communication between the cleaning device and at least one catheter adapter connector, and to allow fluid communication between a second blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The method may also include drawing blood into the second blood collection device via at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one catheter adapter connector may include a first catheter adapter connector and a second catheter adapter connector.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one catheter adapter connector may include at least one of a needle, a winged needle set, a needleless connector, a luer lock connector, a luer slip connector, a luer taper connector, an extension set, and an extension tube.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one catheter adapter connector may include a needle at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first valve and the second valve may include at least one of a stopcock valve, a two-way stopcock valve, a three-way stopcock valve, a check valve, a slide clamp, and a pinch clamp.

[0028] It should be understood that both the foregoing summary description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for the purpose of explanation and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the claimed disclosure. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that embodiments may be combined or that other embodiments may be used and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention so long as they are not so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Exemplary embodiments are described and explained more specifically and in detail by using the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional top view of the catheter system of Figure 1A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a protective needle housing according to several embodiments. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a front view of the protective needle housing of Figure 2A in the closed position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a front view of the protective needle housing of Figure 2A in the open position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing of Figure 2A in the closed position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2E] Figure 2E is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing of Figure 2A in the open position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a side view of a needle according to several embodiments. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a close-up view of the distal end of the needle in Figure 3A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a close-up view of the middle portion of the needle in Figure 3A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional side view of a protective needle housing system in the closed position according to several embodiments. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing system of Figure 4A in the open position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter adapter according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter of Figure 5 coupled to the protective needle housing system of Figure 4A in the closed position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter of Figure 5 coupled to the protective needle housing system of Figure 4A in the open position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter of Figure 5 coupled to the protective needle housing system of Figure 4A in the open position, with the needle moved distally within the catheter adapter, according to several embodiments. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a front view of the protective needle housing in the closed position according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a front view of the protective needle housing of Figure 9A in the open position, according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of a blood collection set according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows side views of alternative blood collection sets according to several embodiments. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of an alternative blood collection set according to several embodiments. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows side views of alternative blood collection sets according to several embodiments. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows side views of alternative blood collection sets according to several embodiments. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows side views of alternative blood collection sets according to several embodiments. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view of an alternative blood collection set according to several embodiments. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method for collecting blood from a patient via a blood collection system, according to several embodiments.

[0030] These figures are for illustrative purposes only and may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, the figures illustrate exemplary embodiments and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are best understood by reference to the drawings, and throughout the drawings, similar parts are designated by similar numbers. It will be readily apparent that the components of this disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings of this application, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of embodiments of devices and systems as shown in the drawings is representative of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure as claimed in this application or in other applications claiming priority to this application.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 12 and a catheter assembly 14. Figures 1A and 1B show the catheter system in an 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 of the catheter adapter body 16. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 16 may include a septum 70 coupled to the catheter adapter body 16 adjacent to the catheter adapter channel 21. In some embodiments, the septum 70 may be a single-component septum. In some embodiments, the septum 70 may be a multi-component septum. 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 catheter lumen 27 extending between the proximal and distal ends 26 and 24 of the catheter 22. 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 fixed within the catheter adapter body 16.

[0033] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include a needle hub 28 that can be removably coupled to the catheter adapter body 16. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include an introduction needle 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end 31 of the introduction needle 30 may be fixed within the needle hub 28. In some embodiments, the introduction needle 30 may extend through the catheter lumen 27, and the distal end 33 of the introduction needle 30 may protrude from the distal end 24 of the catheter 22 when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion position and ready to be inserted into the patient's vein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include a needle grip 32, and once the placement of the catheter 22 in the vein is confirmed, the clinician can grip the needle grip 32 and move it proximal to withdraw the introduction needle 30 from the vein. 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 the adapter 36. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 16 may include an access port 80, which may be 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 so that the extension tube 34 may be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 21 via the access port 80.

[0035] In some embodiments, a fluid infusion device (not shown) may be coupled to an adapter 36 to deliver fluid to the patient via a catheter 22 inserted into a vein once the introduction needle 30 is removed from the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, a blood collection device may be coupled to an adapter 36 and can collect blood from the patient via a catheter 22 inserted into a vein.

[0036] The catheter system 10 may include straight, ported, integrated, and conventional catheters. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be integrated, having an extension tube 34 integrated within the catheter adapter body 16, such as the BD NEXIVA® Closed IV Catheter System, the BD NEXIVA® DIFFUSICS® Closed IV Catheter System, the BD PEGASAUS® Safety Closed IV Catheter System, or another integrated catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may not be integrated without the extension tube 34.

[0037] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be vented to observe blood and facilitate proximal blood flow in the introduction needle 30 and / or catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be vented in any suitable manner. For example, a vent plug 38 may be coupled to the adapter 36 when inserting the catheter 22 into the patient. In some embodiments, the vent plug 38 is permeable to air but not to blood. In some embodiments, the catheter 22, catheter adapter body 16, extension tube 34, adapter 36, and vent plug 38 may be in fluid communication. As another example, in some embodiments, the needle hub 28 may include a lavage chamber.

[0038] Figures 2A to 2E show various views of the protective needle housing 200 according to several embodiments. Specifically, Figure 2A is a perspective view of the protective needle housing 200, Figure 2B is a front view of the protective needle housing 200 in the closed position, Figure 2C is a front view of the protective needle housing 200 in the open position, Figure 2D is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing 200 in the closed position, and Figure 2E is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing 200 in the open position.

[0039] Generally, the protective needle housing 200 may include a needle block 220 comprising a proximal end 201, a distal end 202, an engagement mechanism 210 located at the distal end 202 of the protective needle housing 200, an engagement slot 212, a needle passage 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 passage 240 located at the proximal end 201 of the protective needle housing 200, and one or more of an opening 230, a first engagement surface 261, and an elastic member 250. The operation of the protective needle housing 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A-8.

[0040] Figures 3A to 3C show various views of the needle 300 according to several embodiments. Specifically, Figure 3A is a side view of the needle 300, Figure 3B is a close-up top view of the distal end of the needle 300, and Figure 3C is a close-up view of the middle portion of the needle 300.

[0041] Generally, the needle 300 may include a needle cannula 305 extending between the proximal end 301 and distal end 302 of the needle 300, a hub 340 coupled to the proximal end 301 of the needle 300, a closure tip 310 located at the distal end 302 of the needle 300, a suction opening 320 formed in the side wall of the needle cannula 305 located adjacent to the closure tip 310, and a bumper 330 coupled to the needle cannula 305. The operation of the needle 300 and the protective needle housing 200 will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 8.

[0042] Figures 4A and 4B show various diagrams of the protective needle housing system 400 according to several embodiments. Specifically, Figure 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing system 400 in the closed position, and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position. Generally, the protective needle housing system 400 may include the needles 300 shown in Figures 3A to 3C, which are slidably coupled within the protective needle housing 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2E.

[0043] The needle 300 may be supplementally held proximal within the protective needle housing 200 via a bumper 330 protruding from the needle cannula 305. The bumper 330 may have an outer diameter larger than the reduced inner diameter portion 242 of the needle passage 240. Thus, the bumper 330 may be configured to prevent the needle 300 from moving too far proximal in order to hold the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200 when the clinician pulls the needle 300 proximal. The needle 300 may also be trapped distally within the protective needle housing 200 via the hub 340 through the needle block 200 when the needle block 220 is in the closed position (see Figure 4A) or when the needle block 220 is in the open position (see Figure 4B). Therefore, the needle block 220 and / or hub 340 can prevent the needle 300 from moving too far distally in order to hold the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200 when the clinician pushes the needle 300 distally. In this way, the needle passage 240 and / or the narrowed inner diameter portion 242 of the needle passage 240 may each be configured to receive at least a portion of the needle 300, and trapping the closed tip 310 of the needle 300 within the protective needle housing 200 provides the clinician with an increased level of safety against accidental needle sticks. The closed tip 310 can also reduce hemolysis and reduce tears and contamination caused by the closed tip 310 puncturing through the septum.

[0044] As described above, the needle block 220 may be configured to move between a closed position (see, for example, Figures 2A, 2B, 2D, and 4A) and an open position (see, for example, Figures 2C, 2E, and 4B). In the closed position, the needle block 220 may prevent the needle 300 from advancing distally through the needle passage 240 by blocking the closed tip 310 of the needle 300, as shown in Figure 4A, thereby preventing the needle 300 from moving distally through the needle passage 240. In the open position, the opening 230 formed in the needle block 220 may be positioned aligned with the needle passage 240, as shown in Figure 4B, allowing the needle 300 to advance distally through the needle passage 240.

[0045] The elastic member 250 may be configured to apply a biasing force to the needle block 220 in order to preferentially bias the elastic member 250 to the closed position. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A-2E, 4A, 4B, and 6-8, the elastic member 250 may include a spring clip configured to bias the needle block 220 to the upward / closed position. However, it is understood that other biasing structures are contemplated herein (see, for example, Figures 9A and 9B).

[0046] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a catheter adapter 500 according to several embodiments. 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 bottom surface 540, a top 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 partition 571 and a second partition 572. The first partition 571 may be positioned toward the proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter body 516, and the second partition 572 may be coupled within the catheter adapter body 516 adjacent to the catheter adapter channel 521. A partition channel 575 may be formed between the first partition 571 and the second partition 572. In some embodiments, the partition 70 may be a multi-component partition. In some embodiments (not shown), the catheter adapter 500 partition may utilize a single-component partition. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 516 may also include an access port (not shown in Figure 5) which may be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 521.

[0047] The catheter 522 may include a proximal end 526, a distal end 524, and a catheter lumen 527 extending between the proximal end 526 and the distal end 524 of the catheter 522. In some embodiments, the catheter 522 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). In some embodiments, the proximal end 526 of the catheter 522 may be coupled to and / or fixed to a catheter adapter body 516 so that the catheter lumen 527 can be in fluid communication with a catheter adapter channel 521.

[0048] Figures 6-8 show various diagrams of the catheter adapter 500 of Figure 5 coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 of Figure 4A, according to several embodiments. Specifically, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter 500 coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 in the closed position; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter 500 fully coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter adapter 50 coupled to the protective needle housing system 400 in the open position, with the needle 300 moved distally and protruding inside the catheter adapter 500.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter 500 when it is slidably received within the engagement mechanism 210 of the protective needle housing 200. When the proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter 500 is received within the engagement mechanism 210 of the protective needle housing 200, the first engagement surface 261 of the needle block 220 engages with the second engagement surface 262 formed on the proximal end 520 of the catheter adapter 500. The first engagement surface 261 of the needle block 220 and the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500 can each be inclined in the proximal direction. In this way, the first engagement surface 261 can be configured to engage with the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500, and when the second engagement surface 262 of the catheter adapter 500 engages with the first engagement surface 261 of the needle block 220, the needle block 220 moves from a closed position to an open position. Therefore, when the clinician fully connects the protective needle housing 200 to the catheter adapter 500 by moving the catheter adapter 500 in the direction of arrow 700, the needle block 220 can automatically move from the closed position to the open position, as shown in Figure 7. Once the needle block 220 is in the open position, the clinician can move the needle 300 distally and insert the needle 300 into the catheter adapter 500, as shown in Figure 8.

[0050] Figures 9A and 9B show two diagrams of the protective needle housing 900 according to an alternative embodiment. Specifically, Figure 9A is a front view of the protective needle housing 900 in the closed position, and Figure 9B is a front view of the protective needle housing 900 in the open position. In general, the protective needle housing 900 may include features and structures similar to those of the protective needle housing 200 shown in Figures 2A-2E, such as the engagement mechanism 910, the needle block 920, and the opening 930. However, the protective needle housing 900 may utilize an alternative structure including an elastic member 950 (e.g., a helical spring) and a needle block arm 970 to toggle the needle block 920 between the open and closed positions. The needle block 920 may also be configured to automatically move to the open position when coupled with the catheter adapter 500.

[0051] However, it will be understood that any number of different elastic member structures or configurations that can be used to switch the needle block between an open position and a closed position, and / or to bias the needle block toward the closed position are assumed herein. It will also be understood that any of the catheter adapter structures described herein, and / or any of the protective needle housing structures or systems disclosed herein, may be used in conjunction with any of the blood collection sets / systems described below.

[0052] Figures 10-16 show various exemplary blood collection sets according to several embodiments. Specifically, Figure 10 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1000, Figure 11 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1100, Figure 12 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1200, Figure 13 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1300, Figure 14 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1400, Figure 15 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1500, and Figure 16 is a side view of exemplary blood collection set 1600.

[0053] The exemplary blood collection set 1000 shown in Figure 10 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1010, a first fluid conduit 1051, a second fluid conduit 1052, a third fluid conduit 1053, a first connector 1061, a first valve 1031, a second valve 1032, a first blood collection device 1021, and a irrigation device 1040.

[0054] The first catheter adapter connector 1010 may be configured to engage with a catheter adapter (not shown) in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1010 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter may also include a catheter (not shown) that can be implanted in a patient's blood vessel. The first catheter adapter connector 1010, and any other catheter adapter connectors disclosed herein, may include at least one of needles, winged needle sets, needleless connectors (e.g., Q-SYTE® connectors, MAX ZERO® connectors, SMARTSITE® connectors, etc.), Luer lock connectors, Luer slip connectors, Luer taper connectors, extension sets, and / or extension tubes.

[0055] The first blood collection device 1021 may be configured to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1010 via first fluid conduits 1051 and second fluid conduits 1052, which can be coupled together via a first connector 1061. The first blood collection device 1021, and any other blood collection devices disclosed herein, may be configured to collect blood from a patient's blood vessel and may include at least one of a syringe and a VACUTAINER®.

[0056] The first valve 1031 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1021 and the first catheter adapter connector 1010. The first valve 1031 may include at least one of a stop valve, a bidirectional stop valve, a three-way stop valve, a check valve, a slide clamp, and a pinch clamp, as with any other valves disclosed herein. When the first valve 1031 is moved to the open position, a clinician can draw blood into the first blood collection device 1021. The first valve 1031 may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, as desired.

[0057] The irrigation device 1040 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter with a fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1040 after blood has been collected from the patient. In some embodiments, the irrigation device 1040 may include a syringe filled with saline solution, such as PosiFlush®. The irrigation device 1040 may be arranged to selectively communicate with the first catheter adapter connector 1010 via first fluid conduits 1051 and third fluid conduits 1053, which can be coupled together via a first connector 1061.

[0058] The second valve 1032 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device 1040 and the first catheter adapter connector 1010. When the second valve 1032 is moved to the open position, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1040. The second valve 1032 may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, as desired.

[0059] The exemplary blood collection set 1100 shown in Figure 11 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1110, a first fluid conduit 1151, a second fluid conduit 1152, a third fluid conduit 1153, a fourth fluid conduit 1154, a fifth fluid conduit 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 collection device 1121, a second blood collection device 1122, and a irrigation device 1140.

[0060] The first catheter adapter connector 1110 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1170 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1110 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1170. The catheter adapter 1170 may also include a catheter 1171 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0061] The first blood collection device 1121 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via a first fluid conduit 1151 and a second fluid conduit 1152, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1161.

[0062] The first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1121 and the first catheter adapter connector 1110. When the first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 are moved to the open position, a clinician can collect blood into the first blood collection device 1121. The first valve 1131 and / or the fourth valve 1134 may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, if desired.

[0063] The second blood collection device 1122 may be configured to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via the first fluid conduit 1151, the fourth fluid conduit 1154, and the fifth fluid conduit 1155, which may be fluidized via the first connector 1161 and / or the second connector 1162.

[0064] 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 collection device 1122 and the first catheter adapter connector 1110. When the first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 are moved to the open position, a clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1122. The first valve 1131, the third valve 1133, and / or the fourth valve 1134 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood collection device 1122 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs before a clean blood sample can be drawn into the first blood collection device 1121.

[0065] The irrigation device 1140 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1170 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1040 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1140 may be arranged to selectively fluidize the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via a first fluid conduit 1151, a third fluid conduit 1153, and a fifth fluid conduit 1155, which may be fluidized via a first connector 1161 and / or a second connector 1162.

[0066] 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 irrigation device 1140 and the first catheter adapter connector 1110. When the first valve 1131, the second valve 1132, and / or the fourth valve 1134 are moved to the open position, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1170 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1140. The first valve 1131, the second valve 1132, and / or the fourth valve 1134 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure.

[0067] The exemplary blood collection set 1200 shown in Figure 12 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1210, a first fluid conduit 1251, a second fluid conduit 1252, a third fluid conduit 1253, a fourth fluid conduit 1254, a fifth fluid conduit 1255, a first connector 1261, a first valve 1231, a second valve 1232, a third valve 1233, a first blood collection device 121, a second blood collection device 1222, and a irrigation device 1240.

[0068] The first catheter adapter connector 1210 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1270 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1210 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1270. The catheter adapter 1270 may also include a catheter 1271 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0069] The first blood collection device 1221 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via a first fluid conduit 1251 and a second fluid conduit 1252, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1261.

[0070] The first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1221 and the first catheter adapter connector 1210. When the first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 are moved to the open position, a clinician can collect blood into the first blood collection device 1221. The first valve 1231 and / or the third valve 1233 may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, if desired.

[0071] A second blood collection device 1222 may be configured to be selectively fluid-connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via a first fluid conduit 1251, a fourth fluid conduit 1254, and a fifth fluid conduit 1255, which can be fluid-connected via the first connector 1261.

[0072] 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 collection device 1222 and the first catheter adapter connector 1210. When the first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 are moved to the open position for the second blood collection device 1222, the clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1222. The first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 may then be moved to the closed position for the second blood collection device 1222 during subsequent steps of the blood collection procedure, if necessary. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into a second blood collection device 1222 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs (e.g., from a prior infusion) before a clean blood sample can be drawn into a first blood collection device 1221.

[0073] The irrigation device 1240 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1270 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1240 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1240 may be configured to be selectively fluid-connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1210 via a first fluid conduit 1251, a third fluid conduit 1253, and a fifth fluid conduit 1255, which may be fluid-connected via a first connector 1261.

[0074] 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 irrigation device 1240 and the first catheter adapter connector 1210. When the first valve 1231, the second valve 1232, and / or the third valve 1233 are moved to the open position for the irrigation device 1240, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1270 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation 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 irrigation device 1240 during subsequent steps of the blood collection procedure, if necessary.

[0075] The exemplary blood collection set 1300 shown in Figure 13 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1310, a second catheter adapter connector 1312, a first fluid conduit 1351, a second fluid conduit 1352, a third fluid conduit 1353, a fourth fluid conduit 1354, a fifth fluid conduit 1355, a sixth fluid conduit 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 collection device 1321, a second blood collection device 1322, and a irrigation device 1340.

[0076] The first catheter adapter connector 1310 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1370 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1310 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1370. The catheter adapter 1370 may also include a catheter 1371 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0077] The first blood collection device 1321 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1310 via a first fluid conduit 1351 and a second fluid conduit 1352, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1361.

[0078] The first valve 1331 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1321 and the first catheter adapter connector 1310. When the first valve 1331 is moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into the first blood collection device 1321. The first valve 1331 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure.

[0079] The second blood collection device 1322 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1110 via a first fluid conduit 1351, a fourth fluid conduit 1354, and a fifth fluid conduit 1355, which can be fluidized via the first connector 1361 and / or the second connector 1362.

[0080] The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood collection device 1322 and the first catheter adapter connector 1310. When the first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 are moved to the open position, a clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1322. The first valve 1331 and / or the third valve 1333 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood collection device 1322 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs (e.g., from a prior infusion) before a clean blood sample can be drawn into the first blood collection device 1321.

[0081] The irrigation device 1340 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1370 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1040 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1340 may be arranged to selectively fluidize the first catheter adapter connector 1310 via a first fluid conduit 1351, a third fluid conduit 1353, and a fifth fluid conduit 1355, which may be fluidized via a first connector 1361 and / or a second connector 1362.

[0082] The first valve 1331 and / or the second valve 1332 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device 1340 and the first catheter adapter connector 1310. When the first valve 1331 and / or the second valve 1332 are moved to the open position, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1370 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1340. The first valve 1331 and / or the second valve 1332 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure.

[0083] The exemplary blood collection set 1400 shown in Figure 14 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1410, a second catheter adapter connector 1412, a first fluid conduit 1451, a second fluid conduit 1452, a third fluid conduit 1453, a fourth fluid conduit 1454, a fifth fluid conduit 1455, a sixth fluid conduit 1456, a first connector 1461, a second connector 1462, a first valve 1431, a second valve 1432, a third valve 1433, a first blood collection device 1421, a second blood collection device 1422, and a irrigation device 1440.

[0084] The first catheter adapter connector 1410 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1470 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1410 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1470. The catheter adapter 1470 may also include a catheter 1471 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0085] The first blood collection device 1421 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid conduit 1451 and a second fluid conduit 1452, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1461.

[0086] The first valve 1431 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1421 and the first catheter adapter connector 1410. When the first valve 1431 is moved to the open position, the clinician can draw blood into the first blood collection device 1421. The first valve 1431 may then be moved to the closed position, if desired, for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure.

[0087] A second blood collection device 1422 may be configured to be selectively fluid-connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid conduit 1451, a fourth fluid conduit 1454, and a fifth fluid conduit 1455, which can be fluid-connected via the first connector 1461.

[0088] The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood collection device 1422 and the first catheter adapter connector 1410. When the first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 are moved to the open position for the second blood collection device 1422, the clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1422. The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 may then be moved to the closed position for the second blood collection device 1422 during a subsequent step of the blood collection procedure, if desired. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood collection device 1422 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs (e.g., from a prior infusion) before a clean blood sample can be drawn into the first blood collection device 1421.

[0089] The irrigation device 1440 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1470 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1440 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1440 may be configured to be selectively fluid-connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1410 via a first fluid conduit 1451, a third fluid conduit 1453, and a fifth fluid conduit 1455, which can be fluid-connected via a first connector 1461.

[0090] The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device 1440 and the first catheter adapter connector 1410. When the first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 are moved to the open position for the irrigation device 1440, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1470 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1440. The first valve 1431 and / or the second valve 1432 may then be moved to the closed position for the irrigation device 1440, if desired, during a subsequent step of the blood collection procedure.

[0091] The exemplary blood collection set 1500 shown in Figure 15 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1510, a second catheter adapter connector 1512, a first fluid conduit 1551, a second fluid conduit 1552, a third fluid conduit 1553, a fourth fluid conduit 1554, a first connector 1561, a second connector 1562, a first valve 1531, a second valve 1532, a first blood collection device 1521, a second blood collection device 1522, and a irrigation device 1540.

[0092] The first catheter adapter connector 1510 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1570 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1510 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1570. The catheter adapter 1570 may also include a catheter 1571 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0093] The first blood collection device 1521 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1510 via a first fluid conduit 1551 and a second fluid conduit 1552, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1561.

[0094] The first valve 1531 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the first blood collection device 1521 and the first catheter adapter connector 1510. When the first valve 1531 is moved to the open position of the first blood collection device 1521, a clinician can collect blood into the first blood collection device 1521. The first valve 1531 may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, if desired.

[0095] The second blood collection device 1522 may be arranged to selectively fluidize with the first catheter adapter connector 1510 via a first fluid conduit 1551 and a fourth fluid conduit 1554, which can be fluidly coupled via a first connector 1561.

[0096] The first valve 1531 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood collection device 1522 and the first catheter adapter connector 1510. When the first valve 1531 is moved to the open position for the second blood collection device 1522, a clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1522. The first valve 1531 may then be moved to the closed position for the second blood collection device 1522 during a subsequent step of the blood collection procedure, as desired. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood collection device 1522 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs (e.g., from a prior infusion) before a clean blood sample can be drawn into the first blood collection device 1521.

[0097] The irrigation device 1540 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1570 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1540 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1540 may be positioned to be selectively fluid-communicated with the second catheter adapter connector 1512 via a third fluid conduit 1553 which can be fluidly coupled to the irrigation device 1540 via a second connector 1562.

[0098] The second valve 1532 may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device 1540 and the second catheter adapter connector 1512. When the second valve 1532 is moved to the open position for the irrigation device 1540, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1570 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1540. The second valve 1532 may then be moved to the closed position for the irrigation device 1540 during a subsequent step of the blood collection procedure, as desired.

[0099] The exemplary blood collection set 1600 shown in Figure 16 may generally include a first catheter adapter connector 1610, a second catheter adapter connector 1612, a first fluid conduit 1651, a second fluid conduit 1652, a third fluid conduit 1653, a fourth fluid conduit 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 collection device 1621, a second blood collection device 1622, and a irrigation device 1640.

[0100] The first catheter adapter connector 1610 may be configured to engage with the catheter adapter 1670 in order to position the first catheter adapter connector 1610 in fluid communication with the catheter adapter 1670. The catheter adapter 1670 may also include a catheter 1671 that can be placed in a patient's blood vessel (not shown).

[0101] The first blood collection device 1621 may be configured to be selectively fluidically connected to the first catheter adapter connector 1610 via the first fluid conduit 1651, and the first fluid conduit 1651 may be fluidly connected to the first blood collection device 1621 via the first connector 1661.

[0102] A first valve (not shown) may be coupled to a first fluid conduit 1651 and may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between a first blood collection device 1621 and a first catheter adapter connector 1610. When the first valve is moved to the open position of the first blood collection device 1621, a clinician can collect blood into the first blood collection device 1621. The first valve may then be moved to the closed position for subsequent steps in the blood collection procedure, if desired.

[0103] The second blood collection device 1622 may be positioned in selective fluid communication with the second catheter adapter connector 1612 via a second fluid conduit 1652 and a fourth fluid conduit 1654, which can be fluid-connected via a second connector 1662.

[0104] The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the second blood collection device 1622 and the second catheter adapter connector 1612. When the second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 are moved to the open position for the second blood collection device 1622, the clinician can collect blood into the second blood collection device 1622. The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 may then be moved to the closed position for the second blood collection device 1622 during subsequent steps of the blood collection procedure, if necessary. In some embodiments, blood may be drawn into the second blood collection device 1622 to remove blood from a patient's vein containing one or more drugs (e.g., from a pre-infusion) before a clean blood sample can be drawn into the first blood collection device 1621.

[0105] The irrigation device 1640 may be configured to irrigate the catheter adapter 1670 with fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1640 after blood has been collected from the patient. The irrigation device 1640 may be positioned to be selectively fluid-communicated with the second catheter adapter connector 1612 via a second fluid conduit 1652 and a third fluid conduit 1653, which can be fluid-connected via a second connector 1662.

[0106] The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 may each be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the irrigation device 1640 and the second catheter adapter connector 1612. When the second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 are moved to the open position for the irrigation device 1640, the clinician can irrigate the catheter adapter 1670 with the fluid discharged from the irrigation device 1640. The second valve 1632 and / or the third valve 1633 may then be moved to the closed position for the irrigation device 1640 during subsequent steps of the blood collection procedure, if necessary.

[0107] Figure 17 is a flowchart of Method 1700 for collecting blood from a patient via a blood collection system, according to several embodiments. Generally, Method 1700 may include the use disclosed herein of any blood collection set or any portion of any blood collection set.

[0108] Method 1700 may begin with step 1710, in which at least one catheter adapter connector can be coupled to a catheter adapter in order to position the catheter adapter in fluid communication with the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter may also include a catheter that can be placed in the patient's blood vessels.

[0109] Once the catheter adapter connector is coupled to the catheter adapter, method 1700 may proceed to step 1720, in which a first valve may be adjusted to allow fluid communication between at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector. The at least one blood collection device may be configured to collect blood from a patient's blood vessel via a catheter, a catheter adapter, a catheter adapter connector, and one or more fluid conduits.

[0110] Once the first valve is adjusted to allow fluid communication between at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector, the method 1700 may proceed to step 1730, in which blood can be drawn into at least one blood collection device via at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0111] Once blood has been drawn into at least one blood collection device via at least one catheter adapter connector, method 1700 may proceed to step 1740, adjusting a first valve to prevent fluid communication between the at least one blood collection device and the at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0112] Once the first valve is adjusted to prevent fluid communication between at least one blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector, the method 1700 may proceed to step 1750, in which case the second valve may be adjusted to allow fluid communication between the irrigation device and at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0113] Once the second valve is adjusted to allow fluid communication between the cleaning device and at least one catheter adapter connector, the method 1700 may proceed to step 1760, in which the catheter adapter may be cleaned with the fluid discharged from the cleaning device.

[0114] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, method 1700 may also include one or more of the following steps, which may be performed in any order: (1) step 1770, which may adjust a second valve to prevent fluid communication between a washing device and at least one catheter adapter connector and to allow fluid communication between a second blood collection device and at least one catheter adapter connector; and (2) step 1780, which may draw blood into the second blood collection device via at least one catheter adapter connector.

[0115] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for carrying out the described method. One or more method steps and / or actions may be omitted from the methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, steps and / or actions of any method may be interchangeable with one another. In other words, the order and / or use of any particular steps and / or actions may be changed unless a particular order of steps or actions is required for the proper operation of the embodiment.

[0116] Throughout this specification, any reference to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that the specific features, structure, or characteristics described in relation to that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, not all quotations or variations thereof cited throughout this specification necessarily refer to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any embodiment of this disclosure, or any part of any embodiment of this disclosure, can be combined in any number of different ways.

[0117] Similarly, in the above description of embodiments, it should be understood that, for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this form of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that no claim requires more features than those explicitly enumerated in that claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, embodiments of the invention consist of combinations of fewer features than all of the single disclosed embodiments described above. Thus, the claims following this description of embodiments are explicitly incorporated into this description of embodiments, and each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0118] The term “first” in the claims relating to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements described in means-plus-function form are intended to be interpreted in accordance with Section 112, Section 6 of the U.S. Patent Act. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the details of the embodiments described herein without departing from the basic principles described herein.

[0119] This specification employs standard medical directions, reference planes, and descriptive terminology. For example, anterior means facing the front of the body. Posterior means facing the back of the body. Superior means facing the head. Inferior means facing the feet. Medial means facing the midline of the body. Lateral means moving away from the midline of the body. Axial means facing the central axis of the body. Abaxial means moving away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral means the same side of the body. Contralateral means the opposite side of the body. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right 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 upper and lower parts. These descriptive terms can be applied to living or non-living bodies.

[0120] The terms “connected,” “joined,” “engaged,” and “communicate” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with each other. The term “adjacent” refers to objects that are in direct physical contact with each other, but the objects are not necessarily mounted together. The term “fluid communication” refers to two mechanisms that are connected in such a way that fluid from one mechanism can flow into the other.

[0121] As defined herein, “substantially equal to” means “equal to,” or within a relative variance of approximately + or -10% of each other.

[0122] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, illustration, or representation.” No embodiment described herein as “example” is necessarily construed as preferable or advantageous to any other embodiment. Various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to exact scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0123] While specific embodiments and uses of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the exact configurations and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made to the configurations, operations, and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0124] All examples and conditional statements described herein are intended for educational purposes to help understand the concepts provided by the inventors to advance the invention and the art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. Although embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A catheter adapter having a double partition of the catheter adapter body including a first partition and a second partition, and at least one catheter adapter connector configured to engage with the catheter adapter and to be positioned in fluid communication with the catheter adapter, A blood collection device that selectively communicates fluidly with the at least one catheter adapter connector, wherein the at least one blood collection device is configured to collect blood from a patient's blood vessel, A first valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the at least one blood collection device and the at least one catheter adapter connector, A cleaning device that selectively communicates with the at least one catheter adapter connector, wherein the cleaning device is configured to clean the catheter adapter with the fluid discharged from the cleaning device, A second valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the cleaning device and the at least one catheter adapter connector, Includes, A blood collection system in which the first valve and the second valve selectively connect the cleaning device and the blood collection device to the catheter adapter connector via the valve function, thereby switching between blood collection and cleaning, and cleaning the catheter adapter with the fluid discharged from the cleaning device.

2. The at least one catheter adapter connector is A needle, Wing needle set, Needleless connectors and Luer lock connector and Luer slip connector and Luer taper connector and Expansion set and Extension tube and A blood collection system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

3. The at least one blood collection device is Syringe and, Vacutainer and, A blood collection system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

4. The first valve and the second valve are Stopcock valve and Bidirectional stop valve and A three-way stopcock valve, A check valve and Slide clamp and Pinch clamp and A blood collection system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

5. The blood collection system according to claim 1, wherein the washing device includes a syringe filled with physiological saline.

6. The blood collection system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid conduit coupled to the at least one catheter adapter connector, wherein the at least one fluid conduit is configured to fluidly communicate with at least one of the washing device and the at least one blood collection device to the at least one catheter adapter connector.

7. The blood collection system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one catheter adapter connector includes a needle that is at least partially housed within a protective needle housing.

8. A needle, A protective needle housing, A needle passage configured to receive at least a portion of the aforementioned needle, A needle block configured to move between a closed position and an open position, Includes, In the closed position, the needle block prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage. In the open position, the opening formed in the needle block is positioned in alignment with the needle passage and allows the needle to advance distally through the needle passage, the protective needle housing, Includes, The needle block moves between the closed position and the open position, in the closed position preventing the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage, and the needle block automatically moves from the closed position to the open position due to the engagement between the second engagement surface of the catheter adapter and the first engagement surface of the needle block. The first engaging surface of the needle block and the second engaging surface of the catheter adapter are each inclined in the proximal direction, and the needle block is provided with a mechanism that automatically moves from the closed position to the open position by the engagement of the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface, and further includes an elastic member that moves the needle block to the closed position. Protective needle housing system.

9. The protective needle housing system according to claim 8, further comprising an elastic member configured to bias the needle block to the closed position.

10. The elastic member is Spring clip and A spiral spring, A protective needle housing system according to claim 9, comprising at least one of the following.

11. The protective needle housing system according to claim 8, wherein the needle block comprises a first engaging surface configured to engage with a second engaging surface of a catheter adapter, and the needle block moves from the closed position to the open position when the second engaging surface of the catheter adapter engages with the first engaging surface of the needle block.

12. The protective needle housing system according to claim 8, wherein the protective needle housing includes an engagement mechanism configured to connect the protective needle housing to a catheter adapter.

13. The distal end of the needle is A closed tip, A suction opening formed in the side wall of the needle adjacent to the closed tip, The protective needle housing system according to claim 8, including the above.

14. The protective needle housing system according to claim 8, wherein the needle includes a bumper configured to prevent the needle from moving proximal to the protective needle housing.

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