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.
Karen Perkins, the trust’s principal clinical scientist, is leading the initiative which uses a small, touch-activated device applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly.
Since April last year, the trust has supported nearly 50 patients who previously could not provide blood samples.
Six other NHS trusts have already requested the data to replicate this model, and a national special interest group has been established under UK MedLab to develop best practice guidelines.
It was a collaborative effort between the biochemistry team in pathology at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, 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.
Unlike the traditional method of taking blood from a vein, the device uses capillary sampling.
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 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.
Her mother Heather said: “It 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 it saying it was “great fun” and has proudly shown her arm to her friends.”
In a pilot of 19 patients with poor phlebotomy history, the trust successfully obtained samples from all but one, diagnosing previously undetected conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes.
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 devices have been funded for the year by Bay Hospitals Charity – we couldn’t have done this without them!”
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.”
