Blood Collection Device with Tube Retaining Structure

Abstract

A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

1 . A blood collection device comprising:
 a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube, the body having a first open end and a second end supporting a needle, the needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle, and a retaining structure extending into the receptacle configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.   
   
   
       2 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the needle further comprises a distal end extending distally of the body. 
   
   
       3 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure is integrally formed with the body defining the receptacle. 
   
   
       4 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure defines one or more teeth which are configured to engage the blood collection tube. 
   
   
       5 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure is supported on an inner surface of the body defining the receptacle. 
   
   
       6 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure includes at least one arm pivotally supported on the body and configured to engage a blood collection tube positioned within the receptacle. 
   
   
       7 . The blood collection device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one arm includes a pair of spaced arms. 
   
   
       8 . The blood collection device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one arm includes a surface positioned to engage a blood collection tube which is slip-resistant. 
   
   
       9 . The blood collection device according to  claim 8 , wherein the slip-resistant surface is textured. 
   
   
       10 . The blood collection device according to  claim 9 , wherein the textured surface is selected from the group consisting of ratchet teeth, granules, serrations and knurling. 
   
   
       11 . The blood collection device according to  claim 8 , wherein the slip-resistant surface includes an elastomeric layer of material. 
   
   
       12 . The blood collection device according to  claim 6 , wherein the retaining structure includes at least one finger nub, each of the at least one finger nubs being connected to one of the at least one arms by a pivot member, the at least one finger nubs being actuable to disengage the at least one arm from engagement with the blood collection tube positioned within the receptacle of the body. 
   
   
       13 . The blood collection device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure includes at least one resilient biasing member disposed on an inner surface of the body, the at least one resilient biasing member having first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is secured to the inner surface of the body such that a central portion of the at least one resilient biasing member bows inwardly from the inner surface into the receptacle. 
   
   
       14 . A blood collection device comprising:
 a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube, the body having a first open end and a second end supporting a needle, the needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle, and a retaining structure extending into the receptacle configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle, wherein the retaining structure includes a pair of spaced arms, each of the pair of spaced arms being pivotally supported on the body and configured to engage a blood collection tube positioned within the receptacle and, wherein each of the pair of spaced arms includes a surface positioned to engage a blood collection tube which is slip-resistant.   
   
   
       15 . The blood collection device according to  claim 14 , wherein the needle further comprises a distal end extending distally of the body. 
   
   
       16 . The blood collection device according to  claim 14 , wherein the retaining structure includes at least one finger nub, each of the at least one finger nubs being connected to one of the pair of arms by a pivot member, the at least one finger nub being actuable to disengage a respective one of the pair of arms from engagement with the blood collection tube positioned within the receptacle of the body.