Pen Type Safety Blood Collection Straight Needle

The Straight Needle The straight needle is attached to a tube holder or syringe prior to collection. If the user selects the tube holder, the phlebotomist inserts the needle into the vein and then places an evacuated tube onto the backside of the straight needle to withdraw the blood specimen. The back side of the cannula is flexible rubber over the posterior end of the cannula that seals the needle when not in use.

Once the operator connects the tube, it breaks the seal, and the vacuum in the evacuated tube automatically withdraws the specified volume of blood. A flexible rubber fitting prevents blood from draining out of the cannula with the removal of each tube. The design of the straight needle and collection system is ideal when multiple samples are required, as many tubes can be attached to and removed from a single needle.

The generally accepted benefits of straight needles include needle stick reductions, quality venous samples, and cost savings. However, a few extenuating factors lend preference to using the butterfly needle, including when working with small and/or fragile veins.