Rutgers University researchers have created a desktop system that can automatically take patient blood samples (robotic phlebotomy) and process them without any human intervention. Making such technology available for hospitals and clinics may have significant consequences, as blood draws are the most common clinical procedures.
Though they may seem simple from the patient’s perspective, they’re often challenging to perform and require trained staff for proper handling back in the lab. If an automated system can reduce problems and errors while providing quick results, the benefits could be tremendous.
The system’s venipuncture robot transfers the samples it gathers to a centrifuge-equipped analyzer. In an early feasibility study, the researchers showed that the system draws blood and can perform a white blood cell assay on its own. Other assays can naturally be added to expand the capabilities of the platform.
Study in journal TECHNOLOGY: A scale-up nanoporous membrane centrifuge for reverse osmosis desalination without fouling…