Phlebotomists

In many labs today, computers and machines handle big parts of the job. For example, barcodes and lab software automatically match patient orders with blood tubes ^[1]. Automated analyzers run routine tests (like checking glucose or alcohol) without much human help ^[1].

Experts say AI is also used to speed up lab workflows – for instance managing instruments and catching errors ^[2]. But drawing blood itself is still mostly done by people. Phlebotomists draw the sample, verify the patient’s ID, and help calm nervous patients ^[3].

Some new robots (like the “Aletta” system) use AI and ultrasound to find veins and draw blood ^[4], but these are still rare and usually need a human to watch. In fact, its inventors note Aletta helps when trained phlebotomists “are in increasingly short supply” ^[5]. Other tasks – like stocking clean trays or training co-workers – remain human work, not automated by AI.

In short, many behind-the-scenes lab tasks and data entry are already computerized, but the core, hands-on patient work is still done by people.

Phlebotomists are in high demand, with jobs expected to grow about 6% by 2034 ^[3]. Labs could use AI to handle more tests and paperwork. Phlebotomists earn modest wages (around $21/hour ^[3]), so a big expensive robot must save a lot of work to pay off.

Companies say robots like Aletta free up nurses to care for patients and help ease “critical staffing shortages” ^[4]. But many patients still trust a real person for a blood draw: phlebotomists talk and calm nervous patients ^[3]. Strict safety rules also mean any new device must be proven very safe.

In short, AI solutions for data handling and lab machines are growing (AI already helps with data entry and instrument control ^[2]). However, hands-on tasks will likely evolve more slowly. Human skills like comforting patients and quick judgment remain crucial, so phlebotomists are expected to stay at the center of patient care for the foreseeable future.