Home phlebotomy service versus patient administered blood collection: which is better?
Before the pandemic, patients met with their doctor for a medical diagnosis and routine checkups. After obtaining a prescription for testing, they would visit a laboratory to provide samples for testing and provide reports on these samples. However, online and phone dating have become the new normal these days. Not only have hospitals and healthcare facilities reached their saturation point, but each time patients make an on-site visit, their chances of becoming infected with corona are substantially increased. Institutes of health have changed their traditional methods to incorporate safer procedures for blood collection services.
For now, patients can be tested by calling the home service phlebotomist or by performing a self-managed sample collection. Both offer benefits that are discussed below:
Advantages of opting for a home service phlebotomist
Different laboratories offer collection of blood samples at home. When a patient is unable to visit laboratories due to their condition, the laboratory sends a phlebotomist to their home to collect samples for testing. 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 laboratory technician follows all protocols to extract samples to transport them safely to the laboratory to generate test reports.
Obtaining the services of a home phlebotomist is best for patients who are elderly, chronically ill, or have mobility problems. This type of service is also convenient for nursing facilities or health care units, as they often face problems in taking their residents to laboratories for sample collection. Additionally, patients who have a busy routine or access issues can also take advantage of home phlebotomist services.
Pros
Wet Blood Collection: When patients opt for a home service phlebotomist, he / she will draw blood directly from their veins by venipuncture. This traditional method is best for collecting wet blood samples. It is usually applied when the doctor has prescribed a complete blood test.
Eliminate the need to wait – patients can provide their sample in the comfort of their home and at a time that is most suitable for them. This method eliminates the hassle of waiting and exposing yourself to other illnesses.
Flexible hours – Home phlebotomy services allow patients to schedule their appointment at their convenience. This feature is particularly useful for residents in healthcare facilities, as they must follow a strict schedule.
Eliminates the need for in-person visits – Patients don’t have to visit the lab, thus almost eliminating the need for transportation. The laboratory technician uses his own transportation vehicle to visit the patients’ home.
Advantages of self-managed blood collection
Recently, health departments have initiated self-managed blood collection procedures for patients. The most effective technique available is the VAMS® method. It is basically a volumetric absorptive microsampling. In this method, the patient has to use a fingerstick procedure to collect a sample of one or two drops from the fingertips. The resulting blood is absorbed into the Mitra® device. This device is used in combination with VAMS to provide an accurate blood sample for test results.
Pros
Dried Blood Sample Collection – Self-managed sample collection uses a dried blood sample. It is vital for the stability of the sample and its smooth transport. Laboratories are equipped to process this sample for analysis. The wet blood sample requires great care during storage and transportation to laboratories.
Less invasive procedure: Compared to venipuncture, this method is less invasive. Self-administered test kits come with lancets that are useful for pricking the fingertip to collect the sample. This process minimizes anxiety and discomfort as it is quick and requires minimal preparation.
Lower Risk of Contamination – Collection of dry samples eliminates the need for special storage protocols and reduces the risk of contamination. These samples remain stable under uncertain conditions, such as high temperatures and humidity.
Final verdict
The home service phlebotomist is the most accurate procedure. First of all, laboratory technicians are highly trained and skilled people. They know all the storage and transport protocols. In addition, they come equipped with all the necessary tools for the safety of your sample. Patients who have no knowledge of laboratory techniques are not suitable for collecting their own blood. This procedure should be used as a last resort.
