Clinical Trial and Technology Overview
, along with other health systems, is participating in a clinical trial for Aletta, a robotic device designed to automate blood collection, promising increased efficiency and reduced reliance on phlebotomists.
Aletta operates by using infrared light, AI-driven doppler ultrasound, and a robotic arm to locate veins and draw blood with a 95% success rate on the first attempt, aiming to minimize pain and discomfort.
Implications and Future Steps
The device, already approved in Europe for patients 16 and older, seeks FDA approval for U.S. use, with Northwestern set to receive it next year as part of the trial.
This innovation addresses the growing demand for phlebotomists, expected to increase by 8% between 2023 and 2033, by potentially offering a solution to the ongoing shortage.