The Aletta device is an independent robot capable of drawing blood from the patient’s arm. It uses near infrared radiation and ultrasound technology (Doppler) to locate the vein.
The robot then automates the rest of the blood drawing steps, such as applying the tourniquet, inserting and disposing of the needle, and placing a bandage on the drawing site.
A trained phlebotomist is required to initiate the procedure and supervise the device as it operates, but one person can monitor up to three Alita robots simultaneously.
“Blood draws are one of the most common medical procedures in the United States, yet patients may experience delays due to a growing shortage of trained phlebotomists,” said Michelle Tarver, director of the agency’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
The license was granted for the “Alita” device based on clinical data that demonstrated its ability to successfully draw blood at rates that match – or even exceed – the performance of a human blood phlebotomist. (Erm News)
