Revolutionizing Phlebotomy with Clinisys and Vitestro
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of
advanced technology is crucial for improving efficiency and patient care. At
the recent Clinisys customer summit in the Netherlands, Vitestro’s Head of
Product Tomas de Boer highlighted groundbreaking advancements in phlebotomy,
focusing on the potential outcomes of the collaboration between Clinisys and
Vitestro.
Addressing Phlebotomist Shortages
One of the significant challenges faced by laboratories in both the EU and the US is the shortage of phlebotomists. This shortage impacts the workflow and increases the waiting times for patients. Additionally, 60-70% of total errors in lab process take place in the pre-analytical phase, partially due to manually performing phlebotomy. The introduction of automated phlebotomy by Vitestro offers a promising solution to this problem.
The Vitestro Solution
Vitestro is pioneering the use of ultrasound-guided automated phlebotomy, a state-of-the-art technology that leverages AI and robotics to enhance the blood draw process. This innovative approach includes:
- Vision system: Vein selection using Near Infrared Technology and advanced algorithms
- Vein scan: Ultrasound detection and AI analysis of the vein
- Blood draw: Highly accurate robotic needle insertion
- Bandage: Automated bandage placement post blood draw
The goal is to achieve device performance comparable to manual phlebotomy, with recent trial results, presented at WordLab 2024, showing a 95% success rate.1
Patient Acceptance and Benefits
The trials have shown that 98% of patients accept the autonomous blood draw method, with 85% indicating that the process is comparable to or less painful than manual methods. This high level of acceptance is crucial for the widespread adoption of this technology.1
The future integration with Clinisys GLIMS
A key opportunity for this innovation lies in the seamless integration of the Vitestro device into the lab workflow, potentially facilitated by Clinisys GLIMS. This envisioned integration aims to streamline and automate the entire process, from order preparation to blood collection. While this connection is not yet in place, the synergy between Clinisys and Vitestro could, in the future, fully automate and standardize phlebotomy procedures. This has the potential to:
- Increase capacity at the phlebotomy department
- Standardize phlebotomy procedures and improve sample quality*
- Reduce number of pre-analytical errors
- Enhance patient satisfaction by reducing waiting times
*based on 0.6% hemolysis rate1
Future Outlook
With European regulation approving the technology for commercialization and the CE mark obtained, the device is ready to enter the market. This marks a significant step forward in transforming outpatient blood draw departments and setting new standards in patient care.
“The LIS is crucial next step to allow seamless integration of the Vitestro device into the lab workflow” says Tomas de Boer, Head of Product at Vitestro, and continues: “There is a potential for true synergy between Clinisys GLIMS and the Vitestro device, aiming for high quality care together”
Benefits of the phlebotomy department of the future with integrated automated phlebotomy systems:
- Tackling staffing shortages: Automated systems can reduce the dependency on phlebotomists.
- Improves consistency and quality: Standardized procedures ensure high-quality1 and consistent results.
- Increase patient satisfaction: Autonomous blood drawing can reduce the waiting times for patients.
- Standardize phlebotomy procedures: Ensures uniformity in blood draw processes, regardless of the skill level of the operator.
