A Safer Way To Collect Blood

A combined blood and sharps collector could change the way blood is taken, and aims to eliminate needlestick injury.

The Vacugard blood collection device (BCD) is a combined blood and sharps collector that captures the needle used to draw blood after collection has been completed with the aid of vacuum; the needle automatically retracts into the plunger after use, rendering it inoperable and safe for disposal. The Vacugard is used in exactly the same manner as conventional products, requiring only one hand to operate. Since the device is mechanically free, with no springs, levers, or snap off sections, it is simple and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture. Among the advantages of the device are single-handed automatic retraction; full retraction of the needle into the plunger; and no blood aerosoling, which facilitates disposal. The device allows for use of the standard blood collection and blood analysis tubes, and operates like existing products, but with enhanced hand control.

Constructed in moldable plastic, the design allows for the interchange of needles using the international Luer connection. Importantly, because of the operation of the vacuum, any fluid still in the needle is also drawn back and not expelled into the air. The simple design is constructed from a minimum number of parts, making it easy and inexpensive to produce. The Medigard blood and sharps collector is a product of Medigard (Main Beach, Australia), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other products currently under development based on the same concept include a retractable syringe and an intravenous (IV) Cannula and Catheter Introducer.

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