New Computerized Pneumatic Tube System

Pneumatic tube systems have been in use in organizations, including hospitals, for many years. With the hospital’s expansion, and the increased distance between departments, an expanded pneumatic tube system will allow staff more time for direct patient care. The Pneumatic Tube Implementation Team has been researching this technology and best practices to ensure we optimize its use in the future.

What is a computer controlled pneumatic tube system and how will it be used in the expanded hospital?
A computer controlled pneumatic tube system is a network of tubing in the walls and ceilings through which containers travel at speeds up to 25 feet per second. The hospital currently has a pneumatic tube running between the emergency department and the laboratory, allowing samples to be processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once the hospital’s expansion and renovations are complete, the computer controlled pneumatic tube system will connect departments across the hospital including inpatient units, the pharmacy and more.

How does the pneumatic tube work?
To transport items such as blood samples, staff members will insert the pneumatic tube carrier into a pneumatic tube station and select the destination. The new system will feature options for urgent transactions, secure transactions, transaction tracking, and emergency shutdown.

Click here to view a short video of a pneumatic tube in action