Latest update:18 December 2025 at 3:25 PM IST

The pneumatic tube setup is used to send blood samples and other test specimens from different hospital departments directly to the pathology laboratory.

Samples are transported inside closed capsules. (Image source: Instagram)

Carrying medical samples by hand inside hospitals may soon stop completely. Many hospitals are now using a new system that transports test samples through transparent tubes installed throughout the building. These pipes connect different wings of the organization directly to the testing laboratory and also save time. Recently, a visitor at Yashoda Hospital and Research Centre, Ghaziabad, noticed these moving capsules and felt confused. He shared a post online asking about the strange setup. Shortly after the post began circulating online, several people explained the purpose of the system.

It is a pneumatic tube used to send blood samples and other test samples from different hospital departments directly to the pathology laboratory. Samples travel inside sealed capsules, which helps keep them safe and clean. This method does not need any staff to carry the samples and avoids delays. Faster delivery means tests can start sooner, which will help doctors treat patients quickly. Users also noted that this system reduces errors and keeps samples in better condition.

One person wrote on Instagram: “I visited a fancy hospital and saw this. Any ideas what this is?”

The Internet explains the purpose of a pneumatic tube system

In response to the post, one user wrote: “These are automated test sample collection capsules that are collected from different departments of the hospital and routed to the pathology department… eliminating the manual process and any delay in sample preservation.”

Another said: “Pneumatic tube, we were pneumatic tubes when we were training, running from floor to floor carrying samples and reports.”

“First introduced in India at BLK Hospital,” one comment read.

“This technology will eat up jobs for MBBS Interns,” said one person.

Another added jokingly: “Bro, this is a miniature model of the Hyperloop.”

History of pneumatic tubes

Pneumatic duct systems have been around for a very long time. They first appeared in the 1850s and were used to quickly move items from one place to another. The first system was set up in London at the telegraph office, where people used it to send letters, letters and small parcels through round containers inside tubes.

These systems operate using air power. Pneumatic machines push or pull containers through tubes. When an item needs to go to a higher floor, air pressure is used to push it upward. When it needs to go down, air is drawn in to move it down. To move items across the same floor, the system can push or pull the container.

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