A new needle-free blood testing method is being trialled within the NHS, offering a less distressing alternative for people with learning disabilities and those with a fear of needles. The approach uses a small, touch-activated device placed on the upper arm to collect a blood sample without the need for traditional injections.

Since the trial began in 2025, dozens of patients have successfully undergone testing using the new technique, with a noticeable reduction in anxiety. The innovation is already attracting interest from other NHS trusts, and work is underway to develop national guidance to support wider adoption of the method.

Unlike standard procedures, which often require significant preparation or even sedation for some patients, this technique is quick, minimally invasive and can be carried out in community settings. This makes it easier to deliver routine care outside of hospital environments and supports efforts to improve accessibility across healthcare services.

Early results suggest the method could help identify previously undiagnosed conditions, ensuring patients receive timely treatment. Health professionals believe this approach could play a key role in reducing healthcare inequalities by making essential tests more accessible, comfortable and dignified for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to care.