The first blood collection devices were syringes with hypodermic needles. The healthcare provider would insert the syringe needle into the vein and then pull the plunger to fill the syringe with blood. The problem with syringe blood collection was that the vacuum of the syringe was not controlled.
A more controlled vacuum system was necessary, and that was solved by the introduction of the evacuated tube system. A safety device is now required on either the holder or the needle to comply with current standards for needle safety. An example of a needle equipped with a safety device is shown on this page.
BD Vacutainer® Eclipse™ blood collection needle images courtesy of © Becton, Dickinson and Company Reprinted with permission
