Before the pandemic, patients would meet with their doctor for a medical diagnosis and routine checkups. After obtaining the prescription for the tests, they would visit a laboratory to provide samples for the tests and provide reports on these samples. However, online and phone dating have become the new normal these days. Not only have hospitals and health care facilities reached their saturation point, but every time patients pay a visit there, their chances of becoming infected with corona increase substantially. Health institutes have changed their traditional methods to incorporate safer procedures for blood sample collection services.

At the moment, patients can be tested by calling the home phlebotomy service or self-managed sample collection. Both offer benefits that are discussed below:

Advantages of opting for a home service phlebotomist
Different laboratories offer blood sample collection at home facilities. When a patient is unable to visit the labs due to her condition, the lab sends a phlebotomist to her home to collect samples for testing. The patient makes an appointment through her website or phone number and the home service phlebotomist will visit her home at the scheduled time. The lab technician follows all protocols to extract samples and safely transport them to the lab to generate test reports.

Obtaining the services of a home phlebotomist is best for patients who are elderly, have chronic illnesses, or have mobility issues. This type of service is also convenient for nursing facilities or health care units, since they often face problems getting their residents to the laboratories for sample collection. Additionally, patients who have a busy routine or access issues can also take advantage of in-home phlebotomist services.

advantages
Wet Blood Collection – When patients opt for a home service phlebotomist, he/she will draw blood directly from their veins via venipuncture. This traditional approach is better for collecting wet blood samples. It is generally applied when the doctor has prescribed a complete blood panel.

Eliminates the need to wait – patients can provide their sample in the comfort of their home and at a time that is most convenient for them. This method eliminates the hassle of waiting and exposing yourself to other diseases.

Flexible Hours – Home phlebotomy services allow patients to schedule their appointment at their convenience. This feature is especially useful for residents of healthcare facilities, as they have a strict schedule to follow.

Eliminates the need for in-person visits: Patients don’t have to visit the lab, nearly eliminating the need for transportation. The laboratory technician uses his own transport vehicle to visit the patients’ homes.

Advantages of self-managed blood collection
Very recently, health care departments have initiated self-managed blood collection procedures for patients. The most effective technique available is the VAMS® method. It is basically a volumetric absorption microsampling. In this method, the patient must 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.

advantages
Dried Blood Sample Collection: Self-managed sample collection uses dried blood samples. It is vital for sample stability and smooth transport. Laboratories are equipped to process this sample for analysis. The wet blood sample requires great care in storage and transport to laboratories.

Less invasive procedure: Compared to venipuncture, this method is less invasive. Self-administered test kits come with lancets that are convenient to prick your fingertip for sample collection. This process minimizes anxiety and discomfort as it is quick and requires minimal preparation.

Less 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
Home phlebotomy service is the most precise 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 without any knowledge of laboratory techniques are not suitable to collect their own blood. This procedure should be used as a last resort.