Cheyenne Regional Medical Center now offers needle-free blood draws via new device

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is improving patient care in southeast Wyoming as one of the first in the state to offer new, needle-free blood draw technology called the PIVO Pro Needle-free Blood Collection Device.

The PIVO Pro Device is a single-use, disposable sterile device that temporarily attaches to a patient’s existing peripheral IV catheter – typically placed in the hand or arm – to collect a blood sample, according to a news release from Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. The device was developed by Becton-Dickinson, one of the largest global medical companies in the world.

Traditionally when using a peripheral IV catheter, blood return can be limited due to blockages or obstructions in the catheter. The PIVO Pro Device eliminates these obstacles, allowing clinicians to collect reliable blood samples without creating additional pain and anxiety for the patient.

The purpose of the device is to improve the patient experience by minimizing the pain and anxiety of frequent needlesticks.

“Blood draws are common in health care, but with more than 60 percent of the adult population having a fear of needles, it can be stressful on the patient,” said Tracy Garcia, CRMC chief nursing officer in the news release. “We are already seeing positive reactions from our patients when they are offered needle-free blood draws.”

Since its trial period at CRMC started in November 2023, the PIVO Pro Device has saved 44 patients from additional needlesticks for blood draws. Response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive.

“They always have a hard time with my veins, and I get anxiety around needles,” one hospital patient said. “Any hospital that pokes me less will always be the hospital I want to go to.”

“This is fascinating. I am a hard stick, and I can’t believe how easy and painless this is,” another patient said about the device.

By offering this new standard of care, the medical center is among a growing number of health systems nationwide to join the “One-Stick Hospital Stay” movement to create a better experience for clinicians and patients.