One of the best tricks I have seen is to get someone, even the nurse drawing the blood, to pinch you on the opposite arm at the exact moment they insert the needle, this distracts the body and really does lessen the anticipation, anxiety and pain. I spent 3 months bedridden in hospital, having blood drawn multiple times a day to test for INR and other factors, and if you get an experienced nurse, which I am sure ours will be considering it is a study, they are very professional and quite skilled with a needle. Another thing which makes their job infinitely easier, is to drink as much water/fluids as you can. This increases your bodies response to the needle, and will prevent veins/arteries constricting and collapsing upon needle entry.
