Why does everything require a blood test? there has to be a way of diagnosing someone without one, seriously i have a severe phobia of needles!

Testing venous blood: While not everything requires a blood test, lab testing is the backbone of modern medicine and blood is the most common, useful and cost effective sample to test. There are some tests than can be done with a finger stick, but those devices are less reliable and limited than testings that uses blood from a vein. Good blood drawing technique can make it easier for even the most phobic patients.

Topical anesthetic: If your phobia relates to the pain associated with a needle stick, you may request the use of a topical anesthetic, usually used for children. It needs to be applied 1-2 hours before the needle stick. A preparation like the Emla (lidocaine and prilocaine) cream (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) can be used to ease the pain of needle stick needed for blood draw.

CBT: Seek a cognitive-behavioral therapist who specializes in phobias. One method they use is systematic desensitization which slowly and incrementally brings the person closer and closer to the thing they are afraid of in slow, graduated steps that help make the anxiety more tolerable.