Autonomous Blood Draw Robot Addresses Phlebotomist Shortage

Maybe it’ll make testing easier/cheaper in time? #Robotics Revolution 🦾🤖🦿 The Aletta device draws blood from a patient’s arm without the need for a hands-on operator. The device must be used with the oversight of a trained phlebotomist, but 1 person can oversee up to 3 devices at a time, which the FDA said may help address the current nationwide phlebotomist shortage. After the supervisor presses a button to begin the blood draw, the device uses near-infrared light and Doppler ultrasound to locate a suitable vein and handles the remaining steps of the blood draw. It applies a tourniquet, sterilizes the skin, inserts and disposes of the needle, changes the collection tubes, and places a bandage. According to the FDA press release, if the device cannot find an appropriate vein, it will not attempt to draw blood, and if a patient moves too much, the needle will automatically detach. Additional sensors in the device are designed to pause the procedure and alert the supervisor if conditions are unsafe. #Gadgets https://jamanetwork.com/j..