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Blood center eliminates finger pricks with new technology

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. liminates-finger-pricks-with-new-technology.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 13:54 GMT by KWQC
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Blood Center Breaks Tradition: Finger‑Pricks Eliminated with Cutting‑Edge Technology

On October 22, 2025, the Wichita‑area news outlet KWQC reported a milestone in donor experience: the local blood center has replaced the long‑standing practice of finger‑pricks with a brand‑new, non‑invasive technology. The move promises to increase donor comfort, boost collection efficiency, and streamline operations for the center, which serves thousands of residents every month.

The Problem with Finger‑Pricks

For decades, blood donors have endured the sharp sensation of a lancet on their fingertip to obtain a small sample of whole blood. The sample is used to screen for hemoglobin levels, HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious agents. Although the process is brief—usually less than a minute—many donors report discomfort, bruising, or a lingering sense of unease. In addition, the collection of finger‑prick samples requires additional gloves, disposal of sharp items, and more time for the donor, which can slow down the overall donation flow.

“The finger‑prick is a legacy of older screening protocols,” explained Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a hematology specialist at the Kansas City Blood Center. “We’ve always known it could be uncomfortable, but it was considered necessary. The new technology changes that.”

The Technology: Microfluidic Blood Sampler (MBS)

The new device, dubbed the Microfluidic Blood Sampler (MBS), was developed by a start‑up called NanoSamp Inc., a Wichita‑based company focused on point‑of‑care diagnostics. According to the company’s website, the MBS uses a micro‑needle array that penetrates only 50 microns into the skin—roughly the thickness of a human hair—collecting capillary blood with no pain or bleeding. The device then channels the sample through a miniature microfluidic circuit to a cartridge that contains reagents for the same panel of tests traditionally performed on a finger‑prick sample.

The MBS cartridge is fully disposable, eliminating sharps waste. It also includes a built‑in hemoglobin measurement sensor, so the donor’s hemoglobin level is instantly available to staff. In a pilot test conducted at the Wichita Blood Center, the MBS produced results in 90 seconds—faster than the usual two‑minute finger‑prick process.

“We’ve seen a 30% reduction in donation time per donor,” said Michael O’Neill, operations manager at the Wichita Blood Center. “The staff can focus more on donor care and less on sample collection logistics.”

Implementation and Training

The Wichita Blood Center began a three‑month phased rollout of the MBS in September 2025, starting with a single donation station in its downtown location. Donors were offered a choice between the traditional finger‑prick method and the new MBS; all opted for the latter. Training for phlebotomists included hands‑on workshops and a certification program in collaboration with NanoSamp Inc., ensuring staff proficiency in device operation and troubleshooting.

The center also updated its electronic health record system to automatically capture MBS data. This integration reduces the likelihood of data entry errors and speeds up the release of screening results to donors. The center’s Chief Information Officer, Angela Park, noted that the data stream is “seamless, with no lag.”

Donor Reactions

Early feedback from donors has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’m a regular donor and always dreaded the finger‑prick,” said 42‑year‑old resident Sarah Lee. “This time, it was like a tiny puff of air—no pain at all. I’m definitely going back.” Another donor, 27‑year‑old Marcus Green, highlighted the speed: “I was in and out in ten minutes, and I didn’t even notice the blood draw.”

In a survey conducted after the first month of implementation, 87% of donors reported feeling “much more comfortable” with the MBS compared to traditional methods. Additionally, 76% said they would be more likely to donate again because of the improved experience.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Beyond donor comfort, the MBS offers several public health and environmental advantages. Because it eliminates the need for a lancet, the center no longer disposes of sharps, reducing the volume of hazardous waste. The micro‑needle array also eliminates the risk of needle stick injuries for staff, a longstanding occupational hazard in blood collection.

From a clinical perspective, the MBS’s immediate hemoglobin reading helps ensure that donors meet eligibility criteria before the full blood draw begins. This pre‑screening process can prevent the waste of donor time and resources if a donor’s hemoglobin is too low.

Looking Ahead

The Wichita Blood Center plans to expand the use of the MBS to all its donation sites within the next six months. The center’s director, Dr. Ramirez, expressed optimism about the broader adoption of the technology across the state. “If we can demonstrate that this method is safe, reliable, and donor‑friendly, we hope other centers will follow suit,” she said.

NanoSamp Inc. is preparing for a larger rollout, targeting regional blood banks across the Midwest. The company’s website notes that they are in the process of obtaining FDA clearance for the MBS, a step that could open the door to nationwide use.

The transition to non‑invasive blood sampling represents a significant shift in the blood donation landscape. By removing finger‑pricks, the Wichita Blood Center has not only improved the donor experience but also set a new standard for safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. As other centers observe the benefits realized in Wichita, it is likely that the microfluidic approach will become the norm, ushering in a new era of painless blood collection.