New blood testing tech could spell the end of needle phobia

If you've ever broken into a sweat at the mere mention of a blood test, you're far from alone. Turns out, about 1 in 10 adults share a very real fear of needles — a phobia that can stop people cold from getting the medical care they need. But now, a UK-based health-tech team-up between Thriva and Tasso may have cracked the code. They're offering a new kind of blood test that doesn't just soften the blow — it skips the needle altogether.

And for people like Harriet Evans, who once ripped a vaccine needle out of her arm as a terrified child, this is nothing short of revolutionary.

How does it work?

Here's how it goes down, step-by-step — no lab coats, no waiting rooms, no drama:

• Stick it on: The Tasso+ device sits gently on the skin. No poking or pinching — just press and go.
• Collect the goods: It quietly collects a small sample of blood in under 5 minutes. You won't even notice it's happening.
• Ship it off: Pop it in the post to Thriva.
• Get results fast: Within 48 hours, you get a full doctor-reviewed report in plain English — plus tips tailored to your lifestyle.

The real kicker? It's done from your kitchen table with a cuppa in hand. "I had a cup of tea and a snack, put the TV on, and did it one step at a time," said Harriet. "It was over before I knew it."

Why does it matter?

• Needle fear is a major blocker. Nearly 10% of adults — and even more children and teens — skip medical care because of it. That includes everything from vaccines to routine checks.
• Preventative care saves lives. Regular blood work can spot early warning signs of chronic issues like thyroid dysfunction, heart problems, or vitamin deficiencies — long before symptoms become serious.
• It's empowering. At-home testing hands control back to patients. No scheduling battles, no surprise stabs, no anxiety attacks in sterile clinics.

As Dr. Vishal Shah from Thriva puts it, "We empower people to understand what's happening inside their bodies... It goes beyond identifying problems — we provide the support needed for lasting improvements."

The context

This isn't just a cute gadget. It's part of a bigger push to make healthcare more human. While finger pricks and needle sticks are routine for some, for others they're a deal-breaker. For folks with vasovagal responses or painful pasts, the trauma is real. Kids, teens, even adults with chronic health issues often skip care because of it.

Thriva's partnership with Tasso is a timely response to a health system still catching up with patient needs. With up to 63% of kids and 25% of young adults dreading needles, making testing easy and gentle could be a game-changer for health outcomes.

As Tasso's co-founder Erwin Berthier puts it, "Our device is designed to eliminate the barriers that keep people from getting the health information they need."

And if all it takes is a patch, a click, and a snack to help more people stay on top of their health - that's not just progress. That's peace of mind.