Innovative blood testing technology could mean an end to needle phobia

Innovative blood testing technology could mean an end to needle phobia

UK-based blood testing company Thriva has teamed up with medical device manufacturer Tasso to use their innovative blood testing technology to combat needle phobia, a condition that affects at least 1 in 10 adults. This health technology collaboration aims to make blood testing accessible and pain-free for individuals who have an intense fear of needles through a non-invasive, needle-free method.

Needle phobia often prevents people from seeking essential medical care, including preventative health measures. It is estimated that 10% of adults avoid vaccinations or medical procedures because of this reason, a decision that may have long-term health consequences. Regular health screenings, including blood tests, are critical for early detection of potential health problems and proactive health management. Research from the British Medical Association shows that 40% of health service calls in England can be preventable by tackling the drivers of the disease.

The prevalence of needle phobia is exceptionally high among children and young adults, with up to 63% of children and 25% of young adults reporting needle-related fears. These fears can arise from a variety of psychological and physiological factors, including vasovagal reactions (fainting due to a drop in blood pressure), hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and past traumatic experiences with needles.

Harriet Evans, 24, from the Lake District, shares her experience of needle phobia: "I've been afraid of needles for as long as I can remember. I'm not entirely sure what caused it, but I think it might be from an operation I had as a child. There were lots of blood tests and I remember them sticking all sorts of things in my arms and hands. There's even a story about when I was a child and went to the doctor for vaccines. I had so scared that I ripped the needle out of my arm.'

Empowering patients through painless, needle-free blood tests at home

Regular health testing through blood tests is critical to helping people identify potential health problems early and take appropriate action and management of long-term health. Thriva's blood tests screen for a variety of health problems using blood biomarkers, including cardiovascular health, liver function, hormonal balance, kidney function, iron levels and nutritional deficiencies, providing comprehensive data to help people manage their health.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on finger pricks or venous blood samples, Thriva's personalized blood testing services leverage the TASSO device and empower users to track their health progress over time through regular testing (typically every 3-6 months). After testing, users receive a report from a GP in plain English that provides personalized recommendations for lifestyle changes based on the results. People also have the option to speak to a doctor as part of the service or take the report to their own GP to discuss their findings further.

Tasso complements this approach with its innovative Tasso+ device, which enables virtually painless blood collection. The device uses advanced technology to collect whole liquid blood samples without the need for needles or finger pricks. This easy-to-use solution allows individuals to complete tests at home on their own time, promoting a sense of control that is particularly beneficial for those with needle phobia.

Harriet reflected on her experience with the technology and said: "I was experiencing some common symptoms this time last year, like fatigue, and I have a family history of an underactive thyroid, so I wanted to get things checked. That's when I found Thriva. The main benefit of home testing kits is that they empower you to do things on your own time. If you decide you have a phobia."

“I decided which day I wanted to take the test, I had a cup of tea and a snack, put the TV on and took it one step at a time.

How the Home Test Kit Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Anwendung: Das Tasso+ Blood Collection-Gerät mit seiner fortschrittlichen nadelfreien Lancet-Technologie wird sanft auf die Haut gelegt.
2. Blutsammlung: Das Gerät sammelt schmerzlos und passiv eine kleine Blutprobe, ohne dass herkömmliche Nadeln oder Fingerstichte erforderlich sind. Dies dauert normalerweise etwa 5 Minuten.
3. Analyse: Thriva bewertet die Blutprobe und der Benutzer erhält die Ergebnisse in nur 48 Stunden durch die Thriva -App. Alle Ergebnisse werden mit einem schriftlichen Bericht eines privaten GP zusammen mit personalisierten Gesundheits- und Lebensstilempfehlungen geliefert, einschließlich des Essens mehr oder weniger von geeigneten Übungen und geeigneten Ergänzungen usw.

This partnership between Thriva and Tasso is a huge step forward in making healthcare more inclusive and accessible. By eliminating the pain and anxiety associated with traditional blood testing methods, the collaboration aims to address both needle phobia and the broader need for accessible preventive care, ensuring more people can monitor their health and take timely action.

By combining Thriva's technology and expertise with Tasso's innovative blood collection device, we empower people to understand what's happening in their bodies through regular, painless testing. This approach helps individuals optimize their health for both immediate and long-term wellness. It goes beyond simply identifying problems – we provide the insights and support for meaningful, lasting improvements. “

Dr. Vishal Shah, Chief Medical Officer, Thriva

Erwin Berthier, co-founder of Tasso, added:"At Tasso, we are passionate about making high-quality blood testing easy and accessible to advance personalized healthcare solutions. Our Tasso+ device is designed to remove the barriers that keep people from getting the important health information they need. Partnering with Thriva brings our virtually painless blood collection to a wider audience and the murder of patients with needle phobias to bring control over control over control over control to bring control over control over control over control to the To bring control over control over control to bring control over their healthiest and comfortable and to bring control over control to bring control over their healthy and comfortable and a healthier level.”

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