| abstract |
In one aspect of the invention, a method of fluid specimen collection comprises the steps of: preparing a site for puncture using an antiseptic; piercing the prepared puncture site using a fluid collection needle; collecting a first body fluid specimen using a device for collecting the first body fluid specimen; collecting a second body fluid specimen using a device for collecting the second body fluid specimen and; selecting the second body fluid specimen for a diagnostic test of a kind that detects the presence of organisms in the second body fluid specimen. In another aspect of the invention, a vessel for collecting, transporting, and transferring a body fluid specimen comprises: a hollow body having a first and second end; a first seal at said first end; a plunger disposed within said hollow body between said first end and said second end; said plunger providing a second seal; a plunger lock coupled to said plunger; said plunger lock being configured to selectively maintain said plunger at said second end when at least a portion of said hollow body between said first seal and said second seal is at least partially evacuated; said plunger lock can further be configured to release said plunger, thereby allowing said plunger to move toward said first seal within said body. |