Blood analysis is the most popular diagnostic methods. The “Holy Grail” of blood analysis - is the robot that draws the blood and analyses it, which was created by Martin Yarmush at Rutgers University. Yarmush’s robot has computer-based vision, it locates a vein in the arm and sends the blood to its own analytical device, already equipped to count leukocytes. And just in case you’re wondering, there are no robots capable of dealing with cataracts, glaucoma, or even LASIK.
ROBOT WITH EXCELLENT VISION DRAWS YOUR BLOOD
A robot has been created that not only draws blood, but also analyzes it. A team from Rutgers University under the direction of Martin Yarmush believes that this is no less than the “Holy Grail” of blood analysis.
And although it’s still artificial vessels and blood, with luminous balls as leukocytes, experimentation on volunteers is just around the corner.
Why is this important news? Because blood analysis is the most popular diagnostic method.
If they haven’t drawn your blood yet, what’s there to talk about? Moreover, now laboratories can send you the results through email, and you have the right to show it any doctor that is curious.
The only problem is that the procedure itself can cause other problems. For example, there’s the risk of infection. I’m not going to quote mortality statistics due to medical error.
And there are other problems. Sometimes results are needed immediately, and the usual turnaround can take up to two weeks. Plus, taking blood uses man-hours from medical workers, which raises costs.
Yarmush’s robot was already in the works. Using computer-based vision (human vision can be checked with us), it locates a vein in the arm and goes from there.
It sends the blood to its own analytical device, already equipped to count leukocytes.
Yes, the leukocytes are simulated, just like the veins, arm, and patient. But it’s clear that the robot doesn’t miss and its analyses are correct. By the time rats appear, and after that human volunteers, this range of analysis will have expanded further.
ROBOT AND… A NEEDLE?!?
This does sound alarming in the context of robots, but there’s a consolation. Most likely, they’ll be using bandages with microscopic needles.
And just in case you’re wondering, there are no robots capable of dealing with cataracts, glaucoma, or even LASIK.
S.V.
Photo by Lukas on Unsplash
