| abstract |
The syringe of the present invention includes a tubular body having a plunger slidably received therein in fluid tight relationship so as to define a void space at the leading end of the syringe when the plunger is fully inserted, the void space being in communication with (1) a connector adapted to receive a hypodermic needle or the like and (2) a vent opening laterally through the side wall of the tubular body. The vent has a conduit connected thereto so that the initial flow of blood into the syringe will pass through the void space and into the conduit to purge air from the void space so that the subsequent flow of blood into the syringe will be free of air contamination. In the preferred form of the syringe, the conduit is connected to a second tubular body having a plunger therein adapted to create a low pressure zone to draw blood from the artery of a patient whose blood pressure is not sufficient to pump blood naturally into the syringe. |