Regular blood tests are crucial for identifying and monitoring various diseases, but finding a reliable lab that provides accurate results can be time-consuming. However, with advancements in technology, healthcare labs and professionals have made diagnostic procedures more convenient for patients. Now, it has become the norm to have blood sample collection from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to stand in long lines at labs.

Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, fewer people are visiting labs for blood tests due to concerns about the virus. Consequently, more patients are opting for blood sample collection at home. Unfortunately, this has led to a delay in necessary tests and treatments as people try to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Several labs have reported a 40% decrease in phlebotomy appointments and blood test volumes. For example, Likhitha Diagnostics, a diagnostic centre in Dilsukhnagar, noticed a significant drop in test volumes in March 2020, but they also experienced a rapid increase in blood sample collection from home.

To ensure patient safety during the pandemic, most of the pathology labs in Hyderabad have implemented new procedures and technologies that allow for blood collection and sample testing at home. Telehealth, a virtual form of healthcare that enables remote interactions with patients, has played a significant role. In an April 2020 poll, around 85% of doctors reported conducting patient visits through phone or video, and 77% of the participating doctors expressed their support for telemedicine.

The demand for remote blood collection and testing has grown as healthcare professionals aim to communicate with patients and clinical trial participants while they stay secure at home. While some labs have quickly adopted techniques to test remote blood samples, others are more cautious. However, it is likely that blood sample collection from home and remote testing will become the new norm.

If you need further convincing, here are five benefits of remote blood collection:
Ease of Access: Patients living in remote areas no longer need to visit medical institutions for blood draws. Through telehealth technology and remote devices, doctors can remotely monitor patients, issue blood test orders, and utilize patient-collected samples. Platforms like GoToMeeting and Zoom have also made it easier for patients to communicate with their doctors via email and video chats.

Comfort: Advanced technology like proprietary volumetric absorptive micro sampling allows for precise and minimally invasive blood sample collection. This technique improves the patient experience, as it is less unpleasant and stressful than traditional venipuncture blood draws and simpler to use than other self-sampling devices. Patients can collect accurate blood samples at home, reducing the need for multiple visits for follow-up medical care.

Convenience: Even after the pandemic, clinical trials remain essential for research purposes. Home sample collection provides a convenient alternative for trial volunteers who are unable to visit trial facilities. Expert medical assistants can be sent to participants' homes to collect blood samples, which are then returned to the laboratory for evaluation.

Safety: Remote blood collection promotes the safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. Patients no longer need to visit clinics for blood draws and testing. Instead, they receive blood collection kits by mail and send their samples back to the lab for analysis. This approach reduces the risk of exposure for individuals and medical personnel.

Viability: Many healthcare institutions have faced financial challenges due to a decrease in in-person blood draws and lab testing. However, by adopting remote blood collection and testing solutions, these organizations can avoid significant business changes. Embracing telemedicine allows doctors to continue providing care, but they still require labs and staff capable of analyzing distant test samples.

At Likhitha Diagnostics, we prioritize patient-centered care. For those who require lab samples collected at their convenience, we offer home healthcare specialists who can visit patients' homes or places of business. A best diagnostic centre in Kukatpally, Dilsukhnagar, ECIL etc. we have several centers in Hyderabad. Simply submit an appointment request form to avail of our services.