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BayCare Health System has announced plans to pilot a Food and Drug Administration -approved robotic blood-draw device at 2 of its outpatient locations in Florida beginning late next year. The 18- to 24-month pilot will allow patients aged 21 years and older to have the option of choosing robotic blood collection or traditional phlebotomy. A phlebotomist will remain present to oversee the robotic procedure, and laboratory personnel will manage device preparation, cleaning, and disposal, according to the announcement. BayCare plans to evaluate blood-draw accuracy, patient and staff satisfaction, and operational performance during the pilot to determine the possibility of broader implementation beyond the 2 test sites. BayCare currently operates 18 urgent care centers, although they are not included in this initial pilot.
How it works: The autonomous phlebotomy system uses Doppler ultrasound to confirm vein location, then it positions and inserts the needle for the blood draw. According to manufacturer Vitestro, the device has demonstrated a 94.5% first-stick success rate and is designed to help address staffing shortages.