Industrial - Bachelors

Avenic

Avenic is an adapted take on the existing blood drawing procedure. The device intends to minimize the invasive nature of the current blood drawing system whilst also reducing human error through mechanical means in an effort to change public perception on invasive medical procedures and healthcare as a whole

Tyler Hocking

Macro context

Secondary Research

Blood testing and blood analysis form an integral part of routine medical examination, being one of the most common healthcare screening services ordered by healthcare providers. Currently all blood drawing required for blood analysis is completed using an open, 21-gauge needle, barrel and evacuated blood collection tube as part of a process known as venipuncture (Performing Phlebotomy, 2020). This process is invasive in nature in that it requires a visible puncture of the patient’s skin conducted by the phlebotomist to retrieve a sample. With an estimated 6.5 million Australians currently living with trypanophobia (extreme fear of needles) as well as other procedural errors present in the current system, the failing of the current state of blood analysis is widespread (Smith, 2021).

Primary Research

Throughout the semester, a survey was conducted amongst 39 participants, 14 female, 25 male with ages ranging between 18 and 59. From this survey it was found that even though only 10% pf participants required regular blood testing, there was still a broad spectrum of feelings towards current blood testing procedures ranging from extremely comfortable to extremely uncomfortable. However, when asked if a less invasive option would be preferred over existing procedures a resounding 80% affirmed they would opt for a less invasive approach. From this, three interviews were conducted with phlebotomists and lab technicians which confirmed existing research into blood drawing procedural errors and recounted a plethora of negative patient experiences with needles.

Avenic.

As a result of this research, avenic was born. avenic aims to minimize the invasive nature of the blood drawing process through mechanical means.

Features

The main unit groups all areas of the blood drawing process into a single device. These include the tourniquet, needle, and barrel. The device features a base made out of a Fluro elastomer embedded with wire mesh which is attached to a fast-latching tourniquet that is made from a latex free, soft cotton ribbon held together with injection molded polypropylene hardware.

Details

packaging

How it works?

The device is simple placed on the arm with the tourniquet engaged and then the single use needle cartridge is slid into the design that is able to release the needle at a consistent angle and depth with a single button slide. From here the blood testing tube can easily be inserted to the back of the cartridge to engage a blood draw.

Value

The value of the device is found in an improved workflow that reduces human error, a less invasive patient experience, the opportunity to advance clinical autonomy past standard medical practices and eventually lead to a change in the public perception of healthcare through non-invasive means.

Tyler Hocking

Tyler is a designer studying industrial design alongside a degree in medical engineering that hopes to pursue a career in human centred medical device design. He has established a wide range of skills in all areas of the design process and enjoys collaborating with diverse groups of people to achieve the best design outcomes.