Single slider double barrel syringe and method to use same for medical diagnostics, therapeutic use, and placement confirmation and joint space injection

Abstract

A syringe is provided having a hub with an orifice, first and second barrels having interior surfaces to form respective lumens, a slider, and an optional test indicator. The first and second barrels slideably receive respective first and second plungers for movement therein. The slider is operable to provide a fluidly communicative path between the orifice of the hub and the first and second barrel lumens. The optional test indicator is responsive to at least one characteristic of bodily fluid, the test indicator positioned to be exposed to any bodily fluid drawn into the first barrel lumen and visible from an exterior of the first barrel.

1 . A method for administering intra-articular injections via a syringe which includes a first barrel having a first barrel lumen, a second barrel having a second barrel lumen, a common hub, a needle coupled to the common hub, a slider moveable between first and second positions which fluidly communicatively couples the common hub with the first and the second barrel lumens, and at least one test indicator disposed in a test indicator housing coupled to the first barrel, the method comprising:
 in response to a lateral translation of a slider to the first position, opening a first fluidly communicative path between an orifice and an interior of the first barrel and closing a second fluidly communicative path between the orifice and an interior of the second barrel;   receiving bodily fluid into the first barrel lumen via the needle when the slider is in the first position;   exposing the test indicator to the bodily fluid;   producing a defined visual indication by the test indicator;   in response to a lateral translation of a slider to the second position, opening the second fluidly communicative path between the orifice and the interior of the second barrel and closing the first fluidly communicative path between the orifice and the interior of the first barrel; and   expelling a fluid from the second barrel via the orifice and the needle.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 providing the fluid which is loaded in the second barrel.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 preventing flow of bodily fluid out of the first barrel lumen via a one-way valve disposed in the test indicator housing.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 providing the test indicator which is disposed in the first barrel.