A new medical robot specially created for blood sampling that performed better than human health professionals in clinical trials.
Blood draw, also known as venipuncture, is a very common medical procedure that patients have to go through, as blood tests often are needed as part of a medical examination. Medical professionals have investigated the use of ultrasound imaging and robotic devices to improve blood collection techniques.
An automated blood sampling robot developed by Rutgers University researchers also performed or, in some cases, performed better than human medical professionals.
Researchers:
Writing in Technology Magazine, researchers at Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation University Hospital, and the Icon School of Medicine in Mount Sinai say that robots can make blood safer and healthier for both patients. This technology can help make blood collection much quicker and easier, especially for those with difficult access to the veins. These include veins that are not easily seen and cannot be felt, and those that are easily lost or easily opened.
The first human clinical experience of a blood draw robot suggests that it may allow nurses and doctors to spend more time treating patients rather than needles. The ultrasound finds a guided robot rig, pierces it with a needle, and then draws blood. The robot also includes a centrifuge-based blood analyzer.
Clinical Trial
The results of this case study, published in the journal Technology, showed that the robotic device had an overall success rate of 87% for 31 participants. For 25 people whose veins were easily accessible, the success rate was 97%. “
The device was unable to collect blood from three participants with difficult veins. Researchers say the failures were likely due to the veins being removed when the needle tried to pierce them. None of the articles with minor or difficult veins suffered collisions, punctures, or other unintentional wounds on the back walls of the blood vessels.
Previous Trial:
Previous studies have shown that health care professionals have a success rate of 73% in patients without visible veins, 60% not in patients with obvious veins, and 40% with impressive in patients. The university said.
University Statement:
“Our type of device helps clinicians get blood samples quickly, safely, and reliably, which can help patients avoid unnecessary complications and pain with multiple attempts to insert the needle, “Josh Lefheimer, lead author and PhD student here. Rutgers New Brunswick School of Engineering said in a university statement.
In Future:
In the future, the university said, the device could also be used for other common medical procedures such as intravenous catheterization and dialysis.
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