Question
The rush to production of the miniLab potentially led to dangerous consequences because it was based on a barely-working prototype. The miniLab was a new device that Theranos was developing to perform multiple types of blood tests. However, the prototype was rushed into production before it was fully tested and refined. This could lead to inaccurate test results, which could have serious implications for patients' health. Furthermore, the rush to production could also lead to financial and reputational damage for the company if the device failed to meet expectations.
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With two massive deals on the table, Theranos had a new problem. Both companies were promised that Theranos devices could perform hundreds of blood tests. In reality, the Edison could only perform a limited group of tests. Theranos hired engineers to build a new device, the miniLab, which would be capable of doing multiple types of tests. To do this, the miniLab would need far more components than the Edison. While most components were commercially available, the engineering challenges came from Elizabeth's focus on miniaturization. As soon as a barely-working prototype was ready, Sunny began placing component orders for a hundred minilabs based on the prototype. A manufacturing facility was leased for production. The engineering teams were shocked at how a barely tested prototype was assumed to be a finished product. This could have dangerous consequences.
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