An apparatus (120) for collecting blood in a container, comprising a main body (121.1) including a collection cavity (21.1) adapted and configured to receive therein an end of a separable container； a first retractable hollow needle /140) slidable within said main body and having a first sharp tip, said first needle having a first extended position for insertion of the first tip into a blood vessel and a second retracted position in which the first tip is protected within said main body； a second hollow needle (152) separate from said first needle and having a second sharp tip extending into the collection cavity； a flexible tube (148) providing fluid communication from said first needle to said second needle in the first position； and a catheter (132) having a hollow lumen and receiving said first needle within the lumen when said first needle is in the first position； wherein said first needle is separated from said lumen in the second position.
