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A new painless method of performing blood tests, currently being trialled by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), could help people with learning disabilities who are afraid of needles, pain, or clinical environments.
The capillary sampling technology is new to the NHS and offers a safe, effective alternative for patients who can’t tolerate venepuncture. The small, touch-activated ‘TAP’ device is applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly.
Since April 2025, UHMBT has successfully supported nearly 50 patients and reduced their anxiety during routine blood collections. Six other NHS Trusts have already requested UHMBT’s data to replicate this model, and a national special interest group has been established within UK MedLab to develop best-practice guidelines.
TAP allows essential blood tests to be done with dignity
Karen Perkins, Principal Clinical Scientist for UHMBT, said: “For people with learning disabilities or severe needle phobia, blood tests have often meant months of very stressful and time-consuming desensitisation, general anaesthetic, or even physical restraint.
“Now, with capillary sampling, essential tests can be provided quickly, comfortably and with dignity. This method of taking blood is painless and it can be done anywhere that’s suitable for a patient. The TAP device sticks to your upper arm. It creates a little vacuum, and you can collect a small amount of blood from the patient’s capillary bed into a tube.
“I feel responsibility towards this patient group to bring their voices forward and say they need reasonable adjustments to access blood tests.”
- Further reading: Blood tests for people with learning disabilities
The trial is a collaborative effort between the Biochemistry Team in Pathology at UHMBT, Dr Julia Smith from Milnthorpe and Carnforth Primary Care Network, Dr Tom Jamieson from Lunesdale Practice and The Bay Learning Disability Nursing Team.
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.
New tests can help close care gaps
People with learning disabilities can have anxiety around blood tests, which can be significantly exacerbated if the person has had a negative or traumatising experience in the past around blood tests or another clinical intervention.
In a pilot of 19 patients with poor phlebotomy history, UHMBT successfully obtained samples from all but one, diagnosing previously undetected conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes. These patients can now receive appropriate treatment, closing care gaps for an underserved population.
Abi Gooch, a 15-year-old with Down’s Syndrome and a learning disability, requires regular thyroid monitoring, but previously found blood tests traumatic despite months of preparation.
- Video: Abi’s story
Abi’s mother, Heather, described the transformation: “TAP really is a game changer for Abi and I’m sure many others like her. The hours we spent trying social stories, practicing on dolls, and desensitising her – it was still traumatic – until capillary sampling. Abi has talked about TAP saying it was “great fun” and has proudly shown her arm to her friends.”
TAP success stories
Another success story is 16-year-old Lucy, who has Down’s Syndrome, severe learning disabilities and autism. Years of failed blood draws, sedation attempts, and even general anaesthetic left her family “in No Man’s Land” when it came to basic care.
Lucy’s mother said, “The fear of your child dying never goes away. Now I know I can keep her well. TAP sampling was one of those things you just know will work. It gives reassurance that Lucy is well and lays the foundation for regular blood tests. I hope it will be available for the rest of her life.”
For Stuart Cullen, a young adult with complex special needs, the introduction of TAP has been equally transformative. Stuart requires lifelong medication and monitoring, but traditional blood tests caused severe anxiety.
His parents said: “The introduction of TAP has revolutionised taking blood from our adult special needs son. The process is simple, can be done at home and takes away a large percentage of anxiety for everyone.”
Karen added: “Capillary testing is a fantastic example of innovation delivering real benefits for patients. It supports our commitment to equality, ensuring that people with learning disabilities have the same access to essential health checks as everyone else. This is about giving our patients a voice and making reasonable adjustments so everyone can access the care they need.
“The TAP devices have been funded for the year by Bay Hospitals Charity – we couldn’t have done this without them. We are trailblazing. We are the first trust in the country, if not in Europe, to do this. It’s a generational change in how we deliver blood sciences. Our goal is to make this available nationally so that no patient is left behind.”
