| abstract |
Apparatus for collecting blood samples from a patient. The apparatus includes a housing. A first hollow, pointed needle extends forwardly from the housing and is adapted to pierce the tissues of a patient and conduct blood therefrom. A blood flow indicator is coupled with the first needle and is adapted to provide a visual signal when the needle has penetrated a blood vessel. A chamber in the housing is in fluid communication with a normally closed valve adapted when closed to prevent any fluid from flowing out of the chamber. A second hollow pointed needle extends rearwardly from the housing. The valve is adapted to be activated and shifted from the normally closed position to an open position to prevent flow of blood from the patient to a blood container. The blood flow indicator includes a control to provide for a limited amount of blood to be directed to a predetermined location for indication purposes and to isolate the limited amount of blood and to prevent leakage beyond the desired location. |