Reece is five years old. He sits on the hospital bed with tears clinging to his lashes, his small frame stiff with fear. A nurse gently prepares the materials for yet another blood draw—one of many he ...

CHICAGO — The practice of drawing blood has changed very little over the decades. It looks about the same now as it did 50 years ago. That process, however, may be about to get a modern makeover.

Dear Dr. Roach: While most aspects of modern medical care don’t bother me, I despise blood draws from either arm. I always faint when it’s done, and I feel awful afterward for what seems like a long ...