Tasso, Inc., a leader in patient-centric blood collection solutions, recently surveyed over 600 U.S. adults aged 18 and older to explore their experiences and preferences regarding blood testing. The survey, titled Patient Preferences, Perceptions, and the Evolving Challenges of Ensuring Patient Compliance With Diagnostic Healthcare Testing, confirms industry concerns that current blood collection methods often fail to meet patients’ needs for more convenient and less painful options.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laboratory test results influence about 70% of medical decisions, underscoring the importance of making testing more accessible. However, a recent survey by Tasso, Inc. found that one in three patients delay or avoid diagnostic blood tests, primarily due to inconvenient testing locations and discomfort during blood collection. Notably, 37% of respondents reported a fear of needles, which poses a significant barrier to necessary testing.
The survey also revealed that while 73% of participants have purchased a home health testing kit—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—only 15% have actually completed a home blood test. This indicates a lack of familiarity with available home testing options. Although modern technologies allow for the self-collection of clinical-grade blood samples, understanding patient preferences and perceptions is essential for broader adoption of home-based care programs.
Ben Casavant, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Tasso, stated, “This survey validated our assumption that the painful and often inconvenient process of blood collection leads to patient non-compliance and missed care. Disrupting this model is crucial, as routine blood tests can detect critical health changes early. While patients are more aware of home testing post-COVID, few have had access to home blood test kits. Offering a painless, at-home option could significantly improve compliance, especially for those with limited access to healthcare facilities.”
Key Findings:
- Travel Limitations: Many patients are unwilling to travel far for blood testing. About 69% are not willing to go more than 10 miles, and the top reason for delaying a prescribed test is difficulty scheduling clinic visits.
- Access Challenges: Patients without reliable transportation, particularly in rural areas, often face difficulties accessing blood testing, leading to delays in prescribed testing.
- Pain and Anxiety Associated with Venipuncture: Fear of needles contributes to anxiety and discomfort during blood draws. The survey found that:
- 78% of respondents experience anxiety about blood draws.
- 87% rate their pain from venipuncture as a 1 or higher on a 1-10 scale.
Demand for Improved Solutions:
Patients are actively seeking better blood testing experiences and are willing to pay out of pocket for solutions. Findings include:
- 76% of respondents who reported pain during venipuncture would pay to reduce it.
- 74% expressed interest in using painless home blood collection technology.
- The top reasons for interest in such technology were painlessness and convenience.
Methodology:
The survey was conducted by PureSpectrum, an independent market research platform, gathering insights from 606 consumers between June 5 and June 24, 2024.
About Tasso:
Tasso is a healthcare technology company revolutionizing blood collection with a patient-centric approach. Its devices allow for simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection, making healthcare accessible anytime, anywhere. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Tasso is privately funded through grants, investments, and collaborations with industry leaders.
