Blood collecting devices for collecting blood from a patient using a
single needle insertion are disclosed. Each blood collecting device
typically includes a housing which is removably attached to a test tube
or blood reservoir. A blood flow tube is disposed in fluid communication
with the housing for distributing blood from a patient into the test tube
or blood reservoir. The blood is distributed through a membrane cavity
having a liquid-impervious and air-permeable membrane. At least one air
opening is provided in the housing at the membrane cavity. Accordingly,
air in the test tube or blood reservoir is displaced by the incoming
blood through the membrane cavity and membrane and out the air opening or
openings. Vacuum pressure in the test tube or blood reservoir is
dispelled by the flow of air through the air opening or openings,
membrane cavity and membrane and into the test tube or blood reservoir,
respectively.