BayCare is set to launch an innovative pilot program in Florida that will introduce the state’s first FDA-approved robotic device for drawing blood, known as Aletta. This advanced device uses real-time imaging technology to locate veins, and the company, Vitestro, claims it has an impressive success rate of 94.5% for first attempts.
According to a news release from BayCare, the needle stays out of view during the robotic process, which can help to make the experience less stressful for patients. The pilot program is scheduled to run for 18 to 24 months, starting in late 2027, at two of BayCare’s busiest labs in Pinellas County: the Suncoast Medical Office Building in St. Petersburg and the BayCare HealthHub in Largo.
During this pilot, patients aged 21 and older will have the option to choose the robotic blood draw when making an appointment or during walk-in visits, should the service be available. If they prefer, they can still opt for a traditional procedure performed by a phlebotomist.
BayCare plans to use this pilot to assess how well the device performs, as well as to gauge patient and staff satisfaction. The FDA approved the Aletta device in August, and it works by using near-infrared light and Doppler ultrasound to pinpoint a vein while distinguishing it from an artery. If the device cannot find a suitable vein, it will not proceed with the blood draw.
Laboratory staff at BayCare will handle the preparation, cleaning, and disposal of the devices, with one team member overseeing two Aletta machines. The innovative device has the capability to prepare the patient’s arm, insert and remove the needle, switch collection tubes, and apply a bandage afterward.
The FDA has indicated that the use of such devices could help alleviate the current shortage of trained phlebotomists. Donna Lynch, BayCare’s vice president of laboratory services, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, “We’re excited for BayCare to help pioneer this technology in Florida and explore how it can enhance the blood-draw experience.”
