NEEDLE SAFETY DEVICE WITH TORTUOUS PATH

A prepackaged safety needle device has fitted to a holder a double-ended needle assembly and a needle protection housing pivotally connected to the neck of the housing. The hub of the double-ended needle is mated to the neck of the holder. A circumferential sleeve extending from the neck of the holder envelops the hub so that when the needle that extends away from the holder is capped by a sheath, the lower portions of the sheath would coact with the sleeve to form a relatively tight fit. The configurations of the sleeve and the sheath with respect to the needle hub, at their respective interacting portions are such that a tortuous path is established which allows sterilizing gas to pass into the space capped by the sheath, but yet prevents bacteria or other contaminants from intruding into the space. The opening at the end of the holder away from the needle assembly is sealed by a porous cover that allows sterilizing gas to pass into the interior of the holder while acting as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering into the holder. Thus, configured, the prepackaged device is a convenient to use device that remains sterile until use.