A multisample needle is a specialized medical tool designed to collect multiple blood samples from a single venipuncture. It streamlines the process, enhancing efficiency and patient comfort during blood collection in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Its design allows healthcare professionals to gather all necessary samples without repeatedly puncturing a patient’s vein.
Defining the Multisample Needle
A multisample needle is a double-ended, sterile device, typically 1 to 1.5 inches long, constructed from stainless steel. One end is designed for venipuncture, the insertion into a patient’s vein to draw blood. This end often features a tri-bevel cut point to minimize discomfort. The other end has a retractable rubber sleeve or cuff that temporarily covers the needle’s tip when no blood collection tube is attached.
This design allows the needle to be used with an evacuated tube holder, also known as a blood collection adapter or hub. The holder securely screws onto the needle, providing a stable system for blood collection. When a vacuum blood collection tube is inserted, its stopper is punctured by the needle’s inner end, causing the rubber sleeve to retract. This exposes the needle, allowing blood to flow into the tube due to the vacuum. Once the tube is removed, the sleeve automatically slides back into place, re-covering the needle and preventing blood from dripping out.
How it Facilitates Multiple Blood Draws
The multisample needle facilitates the collection of several blood samples with only one venipuncture. After insertion into the patient’s vein, the healthcare professional attaches the first vacuum blood collection tube into the holder. The tube’s vacuum draws blood directly from the vein. Once the tube is filled or its vacuum exhausted, it is removed.
As the first tube is detached, the retractable rubber sleeve on the needle’s inner end immediately springs back to cover the exposed tip. This mechanism seals the needle, preventing blood leakage and maintaining a closed system between tube changes. A new vacuum tube can then be quickly inserted into the holder, which again retracts the sleeve and allows blood to flow into the next tube. This seamless process can be repeated for as many tubes as needed for various diagnostic tests, such as complete blood counts or metabolic panels.
This sequential collection method increases efficiency in blood drawing procedures. It also enhances patient comfort by reducing the need for multiple needle sticks, which can cause increased pain, bruising, or anxiety. Using a single venipuncture point reduces the risk of contamination and minimizes accidental needlestick injuries for healthcare workers, promoting a safer environment for both patients and staff.