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).
Karen Perkins, Principal Clinical Scientist for UHMBT, is leading the initiative which uses 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.
Thanks to a true 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 Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust Mental Health Nursing Team, UHMBT is the first NHS Trust in the country to offer ‘TAP’ capillary testing for people with learning disabilities. This painless, patient-centred form of testing helps to reduce anxiety for patients during routine blood collections.
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.
The initiative also demonstrates UHMBT’s commitment to the NHS CORE20PLUS5 programme by providing access to blood testing for this underserved patient population.
Karen explained that the capillary sampling technology is new to the NHS and offers a safe, effective alternative for patients who can’t tolerate venepuncture.
Karen 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.”
The impact on patients and families has been profound. 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.
Watch a video of Abigail's story by Produced by Janine Bebbington, Gorgeous Media, here.
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.”
Abi now looks forward to her next health check, something her family never thought possible.
Lucy Chapman’s story echoes this success. Lucy, aged 16, 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.”
This approach is not only reducing distress but also improving health outcomes for patients. 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 gaps in care for an underserved population.
Karen said: “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!”
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.
Karen recently presented her work at a Royal College of Pathologists’ ‘Pathology Solutions’ event at Westminster, highlighting how innovations like this can help deliver the NHS Long Term Plan.
Karen added: “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.”