In one aspect of the invention, a method of fluid specimen collection comprises
the steps of: preparing a site for puncture using an antiseptic; piercing the prepared
puncture site using a fluid collection needle; collecting a first body fluid specimen
using a device for collecting the first body fluid specimen; collecting a second
body fluid specimen using a device for collecting the second body fluid specimen
and; selecting the second body fluid specimen for a diagnostic test of a kind that
detects the presence of organisms in the second body fluid specimen. In another
aspect of the invention, a vessel for collecting, transporting, and transferring
a body fluid specimen comprises: a hollow body having a first and second end; a
first seal at said first end; a plunger disposed within said hollow body between
said first end and said second end; said plunger providing a second seal; a plunger
lock coupled to said plunger; said plunger lock being configured to selectively
maintain said plunger at said second end when at least a portion of said hollow
body between said first seal and said second seal is at least partially evacuated;
said plunger lock can further be configured to release said plunger, thereby allowing
said plunger to move toward said first seal within said body.
