Revolutionary At-Home Blood Testing Tackles Needle Phobia with Painless Innovation.

London, UK – April 10th, 2025 – A groundbreaking collaboration between UK health technology firm Thriva and American medical device manufacturer Tasso promises to redefine blood testing for people with needle phobia. By introducing an innovative, non-invasive, and needle-free method of blood collection, the partnership seeks to eliminate one of the most common barriers to routine healthcare: fear of needles.

Needle phobia, which affects at least 10% of adults, can prevent individuals from seeking vital healthcare services, including routine blood tests and vaccinations. According to estimates, about one in ten adults avoids necessary medical procedures due to this fear, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and worsened health outcomes. Regular screenings—particularly blood tests—play a critical role in identifying early signs of chronic illness, nutritional deficiencies, and other health risks.

Studies show that needle-related anxiety is especially prevalent among younger populations, with around 63% of children and 25% of young adults reporting fear or discomfort. Psychological triggers such as traumatic experiences, hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity), and vasovagal responses (fainting due to blood pressure drops) are commonly linked to the condition.

Harriet Evans, a 24-year-old from the Lake District, shared her struggle with needle phobia. “I’ve been afraid of needles for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I think it started when I had an operation as a child. There were lots of blood tests. I even once pulled a needle out of my arm during a vaccination as a kid because I was so scared.”

Thriva and Tasso's solution offers a dramatically different experience. The Tasso+ device allows users to perform at-home blood tests without traditional needles or finger pricks. Instead, it uses a needle-free lancet to draw a small sample of blood painlessly and passively. The entire process takes roughly five minutes and can be done at the user’s convenience.

Thriva’s at-home blood tests cover a broad range of health indicators, including cardiovascular and liver function, hormonal balance, kidney health, iron levels, and nutritional status. Typically recommended every 3–6 months, these tests give users actionable insights. A GP reviews the results and provides a report written in plain language, complete with lifestyle and dietary recommendations. Users can also consult a doctor through the service or share the report with their own healthcare provider.

Harriet spoke about her experience using the Tasso+ device at home: “I had some fatigue last year and a family history of thyroid issues, so I wanted to get checked. With home testing, I didn’t feel rushed or pressured. I chose the day, made myself comfortable, and followed the steps. I barely felt anything—just a tiny sensation—and it was over before I knew it.”

Here’s how the at-home testing kit works:

Application: The Tasso+ device is gently applied to the skin using its advanced needle-free lancet system.

Collection: It passively collects a small blood sample within about five minutes, entirely pain-free.

Analysis: Samples are analyzed by Thriva, and users receive results within 48 hours via the Thriva app, including a detailed GP-reviewed health report and personalized advice.

Dr. Vishal Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Thriva, commented, “Our goal is to give people deeper insights into their health through simple, pain-free testing. By removing the discomfort and fear associated with needles, we help people stay proactive and informed.”

Echoing this sentiment, Erwin Berthier, Co-founder of Tasso, added, “We’re committed to removing barriers to healthcare. With the Tasso+ device, more people—especially those with needle phobia—can access vital health information comfortably and confidently.”

Together, Thriva and Tasso are paving the way for more inclusive, stress-free preventative care—making regular blood testing easier, more accessible, and fear-free.

Source:https://www.bioitworld.com/pressreleases/2025/04/11/innovative-blood-testing-tech-could-spell-the-end-of-needle-phobia

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.