Patent ID: 7306566
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A blood collection device for collecting blood from a patient through an I.V. line having a female connector, the blood collection device comprising: a body member having distal and proximal ends; a distally projecting male connector formed on the body member with an internal bore, the outer shape of the male connector configured to engage an inner shape of the female connector, the male connector having at least one lateral opening; a collection vial sealingly attached to the proximal end of the body member; and a valve element disposed within the internal bore of the male connector, the valve element having a first and a second end and including a flow passage connecting the first and second ends, the valve element also includes a flow opening disposed in the first end and the flow opening being in fluid communication with the flow passage, wherein the flow passage includes: a cross-hole formed substantially at the second end of the valve element, and an axial through-hole in fluid communication with the first end of the valve element and the cross-hole the valve element including at least one activation arm extending beyond the lateral opening of the male connector; and a spring device disposed at the second end of the valve element to bias the valve element toward the distal end of the male connector; wherein engagement of the male connector with the female connector causes the female connector to push the activation arm and the valve element toward the proximal end of the male connector thereby causing the flow opening of the valve element to open and allow fluid flow between the female connector and the collection vial, and upon disengagement of the female and male connectors, the spring device forces the valve element toward the distal end of the male connector such that the flow opening of the valve element closes when the female connector is disengaged from the male connector.