3D investing in practice: Vitestro

Blood collection is one of the most common procedures carried out in hospitals. While the subsequent processing and analysis of blood samples is now largely automated, blood itself is still collected manually. Vitestro developed Aletta, a device that can draw blood autonomously. This enables the Utrecht-based company to reduce pressure on healthcare staff, make the quality of blood collection more consistent and give healthcare professionals more time to focus on patients who need personal attention. 

Supportive technology
Blood tests play an important role in diagnosing conditions and monitoring treatment. Drawing blood is repetitive work and can be physically and mentally demanding, particularly at busy blood collection centres. It also takes up a significant amount of healthcare staff capacity. When a member of staff is absent, a replacement is often not immediately available. Staff turnover is also high in many blood collection departments, adding to the workload and requiring experienced staff to spend time training new colleagues.

Aletta automates the blood collection process. Using infrared imaging, ultrasound and robotics, the device locates a suitable vein and draws blood autonomously. Other steps, such as applying a tourniquet, changing blood collection tubes and applying a plaster, are also performed automatically, with the patient remaining in control of the procedure. The healthcare professional does not disappear from the process, but can supervise several devices at the same time.

Return, risk and sustainability
The investment in Vitestro fits well with NLHealth’s New Technology strategy. The aim of this strategy is to use technological innovation to increase healthcare capacity and help keep healthcare accessible. Vitestro clearly brings together financial return, risk and social impact.

Its social value lies primarily in reducing pressure on healthcare staff. By automating a repetitive procedure, staff can spend more time on patients who need additional care or personal attention. Aletta can also contribute to more consistent blood collection. The device performs the procedure in the same way every time and does not distinguish between patients whose veins are easy or difficult to access.

The financial potential is closely linked to this impact. Blood is collected on a very large scale worldwide, and staff shortages are not confined to the Netherlands. If hospitals can help more patients with the same staffing capacity, there is a clear business case. The technology therefore has the potential to be used internationally, giving Vitestro the opportunity to grow into a global player.

This potential comes with a high level of risk. Vitestro is still at an early commercial stage. The devices need to be manufactured and delivered at scale and successfully introduced into hospitals. The company also needs to build an effective service organisation. A device that regularly breaks down or is not properly supported will not create additional healthcare capacity.

The US market is important to Vitestro’s future growth potential. Since August 2026, Aletta has had FDA De Novo authorisation in the United States, meaning that the device has been approved for the US market. However, the local organisation and commercial infrastructure still need to be developed. Aletta had already obtained CE marking, allowing it to be marketed in the EU, in 2024. For PGGM, the investment therefore involved a number of significant steps that still needed to be taken before the technology could be scaled internationally. Obtaining FDA De Novo authorisation is an important milestone that increases Vitestro’s growth potential and has reduced some of the risks associated with the investment.

From technology to a new way of working
Good technology alone is not enough. Hospitals and their staff also need to be willing to adapt their working practices. Before making the investment, NLHealth therefore spoke to several hospitals, laboratory professionals and other experts. These discussions highlighted both the pressure facing healthcare staff and the strong need for a solution. Aletta is therefore not seen as a replacement for staff, but as an extra colleague that can take some of the work off their hands.

Patient acceptance is also important. Research shows that, after having blood drawn by Aletta, 82% of patients either have no preference or would prefer or strongly prefer Aletta at their next appointment. This indicates a high level of acceptance of the technology. Vitestro has paid close attention to the device’s appearance and the patient experience. For example, the needle is shielded from view during part of the procedure, which can help people who are anxious about needles. Nevertheless, having blood drawn by a robot will take some getting used to for many people.

Vitestro therefore provides intensive support when Aletta is first introduced. During this ‘hypercare’ period, the company helps hospitals use Aletta as effectively as possible, trains staff and quickly resolves any issues that arise. This allows hospitals to use the technology as efficiently as possible from the outset. 

An engaged shareholder
NLHealth invests in Vitestro on behalf of PFZW and is a shareholder in the company. The financial return therefore depends on the company’s development and growth. PGGM also holds a board observer position and speaks regularly with the management team. It is also in contact with other employees and co-investors, including Invest-NL.

Initially, progress is monitored using specific indicators, such as the number of devices delivered and the number of blood draws performed by each device. The latter is particularly important: only if a device can serve enough patients will it genuinely save staff time and deliver a financial benefit for hospitals.

In time, it may also be possible to assess the technology’s impact on workload, job satisfaction, patient satisfaction and quality of care. For now, the focus is on a successful introduction and reliable performance in clinical practice.