GB2209470A

GB2209470A - Hypodermic needle sheathing, extracting and re-sheathing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2209470A
Application number: GB8720919A
Authority: GB
Inventors: R George Johnston Calvert; Robert James Barker
Original assignee: CALVERT DR GEORGE JOHNSTON
Current assignee: CALVERT DR GEORGE JOHNSTON
Priority date: 1987-09-05
Filing date: 1987-09-05
Publication date: 1989-05-17
Also published as: GB8720919D0

Abstract

A hypodermic needle sheath S1 comprises a stable base S2 which can be securely attached to a firm work surface A1, a replaceable cap C1 with self-locking mechanism which is removed to expose the sterile hypodermic needle which is extracted by attaching the syringe hub SH. After use the needle is re-sheathed in a single-handed operation since the needle is securely engaged within the sheath S1 and simultaneously separated from the syringe using the release lever RL provided. The self-locking cap C1 is replaced on the sheath S1 and the entire unit disposed of. The needle-syringe combination may be temporarily stored in the sheath S1. <IMAGE>

Description

HYPODERMIC NEEDLE SHEATHING, EXTRACTING AND RE-SHEATHING APPARATUS This device relates to an apparatus for the safe use and disposal of injection needles.

It is well known that clinicians and others who handle contaminated hypodermic needles are prone to needle-stick injuries which may cause self-infliction of diseases such as Hepatitis B and AIDS. Such needlestick injuries occur most commonly when: (a) Attempting to re-sheath the contaminated needle.

(b) Attempting to separate the contaminated needle from the syringe.

(c) Disposing of the contaminated needle.

cording to the present design of this apparatus it will: (i) Facilitate extraction of the needle from the sheath.

(ii) Enable the needle to be re-sheathed with substantially reduced risk of needle-stick injury.

(iii) Provide a means of temporary storage of loaded syringe.

(iv) Provide a means of safely separating the needle from the syringe.

(v) Enhance the safe disposal of contaminated needles by securing such needles within the sheath.

A specific embodiment of the apparatus will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective a complete sheath.

Figure 2 shows the release lever for prizing the needle off syringes of various shapes and sizes and for securing the needle within the sheath.

Figure 3 shows the separation of the replaceable self-locking cap from the sheath.

Figure 4 illustrates the use.of the lever separating a needle from a syringe with an off-set hub.

Figure 5 illustrates the use of the lever separating a needle from a syringe with a central hub.

Figure 6 shows the sheath being used as a temporary storage device for a loaded syringe.

The sheath as illustrated in Figure 1 consists of a Sheath Stem Si, a Stabilising Base S2, an Adhesive Pad Al which is exposed by the removal of the Protective Cover A2 by pulling on Release Tab A3, and a Cap C1 with a self-locking mechanism.

An essential feature of the sheath is that the base must be capable of secure attachment to a firm work surface. The illustration demonstrates the use of an adhesive pad Al for this purpose but alternative means such as the use of a slot-and-slide device, magnetic adhesion or any other means may be used.

When the sheath is securely attached to a firm work surface the self-locking replaceable cap C1 can be removed to expose the sterile needle. The syringe hub SH is attached to the needle which is then extracted and used in the normal manner.

Afterwards the needle is re-sheathed. As the sheath is securely attached to a firm surface the need to stabilise it using the hand is eliminated during re-sheathing. The danger of needle-stick injury is thus overcome.

If required the loaded syringe and needle combination may be temporarily stored in the sheath as in Figure 6.

The release lever RL illustrated in Figure 2 is a means of safely separating the syringe from the needle. Figure 4 and Figure 5 demonstrate the insertion of the release lever between the base of the syringe and the needle lip NL.

Movement of the lever in a downward direction causes pressure to be applied on the needle lip NL such that the needle is firmly engaged within the sheath and is simultaneously separated from the syringe hub SH.

The cap C1 as illustrated in Figure 3 is replaced on to the sheath and firmly retained by means of locking lugs C2. The sealed sheath is then removed from the firm surface for safe disposal.

Claims

1 A hypodermic needle sheathing, extracting and re-sheathing apparatus enables the hypodermic needle to be extracted from its firmly secured sheath by means of a syringe. It also enables the used needle to be re-sheathed with substantially reduced risk of self-inflicted needle-stick injury. The re-sheathed needle is securely engaged within the sheath and separated from the syringe by means of a release lever.

The re-sheathed needle is further secured by means of the replaceable cap with self-locking mechanism. This sealed sheath permits safe disposal of the contaminated needle.

2 A sheath as claimed in Claim 1 comprising a stable, firmly securable base.

3 A sheath as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which provides temporary storage for a loaded needle-syringe combination.

4 A release lever as claimed in Claim 1 which separate the needle from the syringe hub.

5 A release lever as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 4 which firmly engages the hypodermic needle within the sheath.

6 A hypodermic needle sheathing, extracting and re-sheathing apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.