by Blood collection is a routine medical procedure performed millions of times every day. From basic finger pricks for glucose monitoring to full blood draws for comprehensive testing, the reliable and safe collection of blood specimens is essential for diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions. Over the years, blood collection technology has advanced significantly, improving patient and provider experience as well as sample quality. This article explores some of the latest innovations in blood collection devices.
Vacutainer Blood Collection Needles
One of the most commonly used blood collection devices is the Vacutainer needle. Manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Vacutainer needles feature an internal needle housed within a protective plastic sheath. When inserted into a vein, the needle is shielded to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Vacutainer needles also feature evacuated collection tubes that create a vacuum seal when pierced by the internal needle. This vacuum pull helps efficiently fill tubes without risk of hemolysis from manually squeezing tubes.
BD now offers Vacutainer needles in a variety of sizes tailored for different patient populations. For pediatric collections, there are 27G and 25G butterfly needles designed for small veins. Larger 21G and 22G needles facilitate faster collection for routine adult draws. For patients with fragile veins or those requiring multiple collections, a new line of SoftGuard Safety needles feature an ergonomic plastic grip and gentler angled tip to minimize discomfort. The SoftGuard needles also incorporate an automatic safety shield that encases the sharp tip immediately after use to reduce exposure risks.
No-Additive Tube Technology
Besides needle innovation, collection tube technology is rapidly advancing as well. Traditionally, tubes contained additives like glycerol or lithium heparin to stabilize certain analytes or prevent coagulation during transport. However, some additives can interfere with specialized tests. To address this, manufacturers now offer “no-additive” or additive-free blood collection tubes.
For example, BD PlastiPak containers feature a Blood Collection Devices-to-additive barrier that prevents mixing until centrifugation in the laboratory. This allows sensitive molecular testing like genetics to be performed directly from “no-additive” tubes without potential interference. Greiner Bio-One and Sarstedt also market additive-free serum and plasma tubes that maintain specimen integrity for up to 7 days. The tubes use material innovations like inert coatings to replicate the anticoagulant effect without introducing undesirable compounds.
Capillary Blood Collection
Capillary blood collection from fingers or heels is commonly used in pediatric settings and for glucose monitoring. However, manual lancing can be painful and inconsistent. As an alternative, companies like AeGIS Sciences have created automated lancing devices that utilize impact rather than puncture for collection. This causes less sharp pain sensation. The devices control depth and pressure, ensuring an adequate blood volume without squeezing.
For neonatal heel sampling, companies like Radiometer Medical offer adjustable depth lancets and collection kits specifically designed for fragile newborn skin. The kits also include calibrated volumetric pipettes and collection containers to simplify and standardize the process. Point-of-care testing (POCT) instruments now utilize micro-sample volumes from capillary beds as well, eliminating the need for full venous access in certain cases.
Vein Visualization Technology
Locating veins for needle insertion has long been a challenge, especially in patients with difficult access. New vein visualization aids are enhancing the ability to find veins on first attempt. Companies like Christie Medical Holdings have developed vein finder lighting devices using near-infrared technology to illuminate subsurface vessel contrast without compressing tissues. These “vein viewers” allow for non-invasive visualization of first-time venous anatomy.
Alternatively, companies like Venex Products offer vein pattern projection systems that utilize structured light scanning of limb surfaces. The systems build a 3D anatomical reconstruction and projection map to guide venipuncture. These visualization tools can help optimally site needles and reduce multiple redraws or failures to collect, lowering patient discomfort and procedural costs. When combined with skill training programs, vein mapping aids are demonstrating improved vascular access outcomes across clinical settings.
Automated Phlebotomy Systems
Drawing volumes of blood specimens manually and aseptically can take both physical effort and time. As an efficiency solution, companies now provide automated phlebotomy systems that perform a “blood draw robotically.” Devices like Tasso’s Cue Integrated System attach directly to a patient’s arm and use controlled pressure and aspiration to collect full additive-coated tubes in sequence. The closed-loop system reduces exposure risks and physical demands on phlebotomists while accommodating sites with high patient volumes.
Similarly, companies like Sarstedt have introduced automated blood collection robots that operate using programmed pressure and suction parameters adapted for various tube sizes and additive compositions. These systems can collect samples, centrifuge, aliquot, and transport specimens depending on the model – performing tasks typically requiring multiple staff. Robotic blood collection presents a valuable option for extending phlebotomy resources during COVID-19 while also decreasing future labor requirements in high-volume settings.
ongoing advances in blood collection devices technology have created safer, more reliable, and more efficient options for both patients and providers. From needle design to tube innovations to automation, new tools continue to transform routine phlebotomy processes with the goal of improving outcomes in clinical diagnostics and care. As these technologies become more widespread, they offer potential to enhance the quality and accessibility of blood-based testing worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn
