Patients with learning disabilities and needle phobia are benefiting from a painless new form of blood sampling pioneered by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
The initiative utilises a small, touch-activated ‘TAP’ device applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly.
Since April 2025, UHMBT has successfully supported nearly 50 patients who previously could not provide blood samples. Six other NHS Trusts have already requested UHMBT’s data to replicate this model, and a national special interest group has been established under UK MedLab to develop best practice guidelines.
Unlike traditional venepuncture (when a needle is used to take blood from a vein, usually for laboratory testing), the TAP method is painless, quick and can be carried out in community settings, thus supporting the NHS Long Term Plan to move care closer to home and reduce hospital pressures.
While the initial focus has been on patients with learning disabilities and needle phobia, the potential applications are vast. From community-based monitoring for chronic conditions to supporting Hospital at Home services, patient-centric sampling can help reduce hospital visits and improve convenience for patients.
Interest in this approach is growing across the UK, with multiple NHS Trusts exploring adoption.
