Needle guard for blood collection

Abstract

A needle guard attached to the barrel of a hypodermic syringe encloses and shields the needle against contamination prior to use and prevents inadvertent direct contact therewith by medical personnel after use. Development of an aperture at the end of the needle shield to accommodate protrusion by the needle is effected by a removable member. Translation of the needle guard along the syringe barrel to uncover and recover the needle is effected by manipulation from a location rearwardly of the needle point to further protect the medical personnel. A double ended needle, usually used with a collection tube holder of a blood evacuation system, includes a needle guard which may interlock with the holder upon translation of the needle guard to expose the anterior needle and to prevent inadvertent disengagement with the holder and resulting exposure of the posterior needle. An extension of the interconnection between the double ended needle and the holder permits large girth holders to be employed without compromising the preferred needle entry angle. Other embodiments of the needle guard include telescoping guards to shield lengthy single needles and double-ended needles, each of which is manipulated from a location rearwardly of the respective needle end. The configuration of the needle guard permits manipulation with only one digit of one hand which frees the other hand to perform functions related to blood collection or injection. An annular trough within the needle guard restrains outflow of and contamination by any fluids which may have dripped from the needle into the needle guard.