Home Phlebotomy Service Vs. Patient-Managed Blood Collection: Which Is Best?

 

me Phlebotomy Service Vs. Patient-Managed Blood Collection: Which Is Best?

Before the pandemic, patients would meet their physicians for medical diagnoses and routine check-ups. After getting a prescription for tests, they would visit a lab for providing them samples for tests and they would provide reports on these samples. However, online and on-phone appointments have become the new normal these days. Not only hospitals and healthcare facilities have reached their saturation point but each time patients make an onsite visit, it substantially increases their chances of getting infected by corona. Healthcare institutes have changed their traditional methods to incorporate safer procedures for blood sample collection services.

At the moment, patients can get their tests done by calling a home service phlebotomist or doing a self-managed sample collection. Both of them offer benefits which are discussed below:

Pros of Opting for Home Service Phlebotomist
Different labs offer blood sample collection at home facilities. When a patient is unable to visit labs due to his/her condition, the lab sends a phlebotomist to their home for collecting samples for tests. The patient makes an appointment through their website or phone number and the home service phlebotomist will visit their home at the scheduled time. The lab technician follows all the protocols for drawing samples to safely transporting them to the lab for generating test reports.

Obtaining the services of a phlebotomist at home is best for patients who are elderly, suffering from chronic conditions, or having mobility challenges. This type of service is also convenient for nursing facilities or healthcare units as they often face problems in taking their residents to labs for sample collection. Additionally, patients having a busy routine or access issues can also take advantage of in-home phlebotomist services.

Pros

Wet Blood Collection: When patients opt for a home service phlebotomist, he/she will directly draw blood from their veins by using venipuncture. This traditional approach is best for collecting a wet blood sample. It is usually applied when the physician has prescribed a complete blood panel.

Removes Need of Waiting: Patients can provide their sample in the comfort of their home and at a time that is most suitable for them. This method removes the hassle of waiting and exposure to other diseases.

Flexible Timings: In-home phlebotomy services allows patients to schedule their appointment at their convenience. This feature is particularly handy for residents at healthcare facilities as they have a strict schedule to follow.