A blood-sampling robot performed as well or better than people, according to the first human clinical trial of an automated blood drawing and testing device. The device provides quick results and would allow healthcare professionals to spend more time treating patients in hospitals and other settings.

The results were comparable to or exceeded clinical standards, with an overall success rate of 87 percent for the 31 participants whose blood was drawn. For the 25 people whose veins were easy to access, the success rate was 97 percent.

The device includes an ultrasound image-guided robot that draws blood from veins. A fully integrated device, which includes a module that handles samples and a centrifuge-based blood analyzer, could be used at bedsides and in ambulances, emergency rooms, clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals.

In the future, the device could be used in such procedures as IV catheterization, central venous access, dialysis, and placing arterial lines. Next steps include refining the device to improve success rates in patients with difficult veins to access.

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