The present invention relates to an arterial flashback confirmation chamber.Generally, the confirmation chamber isused with a vascular access device to allow an operator to see active arterialflashback confirmation for a period of time that islong enough to permit the operator to properly place the cannula of thevascular access device within a patient's artery. In some instances,the confirmation chamber comprises a flashback compartment, means forprolonging active arterial flashback confirmation,and a vent. Some examples of suitable prolonging means comprise a flashbackcompartment with a relatively large internalvolume, circuitous tubing, an absorbent material, an orifice and/or tubingwith a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter ofthe cannula, and the like. Where the vascular access device comprises acatheter assembly, the catheter assembly and confirmationcamber are optionally used with a guide wire and/or a blood sensor.
