In this day and age, companies seem to be expanding to ensure that their services are centered around convenience. Medical facilities and laboratories are not exempt from this as phlebotomy services have become mobile, but what does that mean? What is mobile phlebotomy, and who will benefit from it?
Mobile phlebotomy is when someone can have their blood taken at home or their workplace instead of going into a laboratory. This allows the person to choose a convenient time for them to have their blood or saliva taken. Not to mention it benefits everyone from the average person to your doctor as well. We’ll discuss more of these points below.
Who Benefits From Mobile Phlebotomy Services?
There are a wide variety of individuals and businesses who benefit from mobile phlebotomy services, including:
- Anyone with a chronic ailment that makes it hard to leave Elderly populations
- Nursing homes or other long term care facilities
- Busy career-focused people
- Anyone without convenient transportation
- Night shift workers
- Stay at home parents who are unable to pack up their children for a lab test
- Vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals
- And many more!
However, not only is it the patient who benefits, but also the doctors. Doctors no longer need to wait to treat their patients since their patients now have an option where they’re able to get their lab work done quickly and efficiently.
Why Would Someone Choose Mobile Phlebotomy?
Many people choose mobile phlebotomy because of the convenience factor. When they have a phlebotomist come to take their samples, they don’t need to wait in line, to worry about scheduling problems as the specialist will come to wherever they are.
Not to mention, during the COVID pandemic, mobile phlebotomy has been a blessing. Instead of tens of thousands of individuals leaving their homes and potentially exposing others or themselves to the virus, the specialists can wear the proper PPE to do the labs while reducing the risk of transmission. So, if someone is not comfortable going into a lab or can’t go due to a chronic ailment, they would choose mobile phlebotomy.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Mobile Phlebotomy?
Now that you know what mobile phlebotomy is and who it benefits, you may wonder precisely what benefits you can expect. And likewise, the disadvantages surrounding this service, which is presented below.
Advantages Of Mobile Phlebotomy
There are many advantages to mobile phlebotomy services, including:
- Patient won’t need transportation
- Scheduling is flexible
- No complicated appointments
- They are still able to collect blood via IV
- Minimized exposure risk during flu and covid seasons
But, just as there are benefits, there are also disadvantage when it comes to mobile phlebotomy.
Disadvantages Of Mobile Phlebotomy
The disadvantage of this unique service includes:
- Sometimes collections need to be kept on ice, so it makes it a bit harder to draw particular labs
- Increased risk of exposure
- A bit invasive
- Risk of improper storage which results in a re-draw
You may be a bit confused since the increased risk of exposure is a pro and a con. You have a specialist who goes from house to house, which means that you may be exposed to something in someone else’s home, including hepatitis, covid, etc. However, it’s unlikely.
Is Mobile Phlebotomy Right For You?
Only you can know whether a particular service is right for you. If you’re busy, facing a health ailment, or have limited transportation, you may want to look into mobile phlebotomy in your area. Check with your doctor’s office so they can get you set up. After all, this is something from which everyone can benefit.
