Common Myths About Blood Tests at Home

Blood tests at Home are rapidly growing in popularity, due to a professional network of healthcare providers expertly accomplishing the critical process. Once you schedule the appointment with the healthcare provider, a blood test technician is assigned to your home to make sure everything is completed without hassles. 

Collection of the vital body fluid must be done in the right way so that there is no risk of infection or misallocation of the blood sample. By counting on professional blood testing services, you can debunk the common myths surrounding blood tests at home. 

Home Blood Sample Collection Explained 

To get started, follow this brief description of the home blood sample collection process. After you book the technician visit, you will be informed of certain preparatory steps that you must follow to ensure that the blood test at home is completed without hassles. 

How to Prepare for the Blood Test: 

• You are required to fast for 8-12 hours for most tests.

• You are required to drink a certain amount of water to ensure easy vein access. 

• You are required to avoid alcohol or heavy exercise. 

• If you are currently on medication, the doctor may advise you to suspend its use until the test is completed.

What to Do When the Phlebotomist Arrives at Your Home: 

• Check and verify the ID

• Confirm whether sterile and disposable equipment are used 

• Make sure that the technician wears surgical gloves to avoid the risk of infection

• Check whether the blood sample kit is properly labelled and marked

• Inquire about how and when you will receive the blood test results

What is the Blood Collection Procedure: 

• The arm is cleaned with an antiseptic 

• A tourniquet is applied to make sure the vein is visible 

• The blood sample is collected using a sterile needle 

• Cotton and/or bandage is applied to the point of injection

• The blood is carefully put in a special medical tube and temporarily sealed 

That’s it! This should be a very simple and straightforward process. However, you need to pay attention to the common myths around blood sample collection at home.

MYTH 1: HOME BLOOD TESTS ARE LESS ACCURATE 

Result accuracy depends on the healthcare provider. Even if the sample is collected correctly, results may vary. 

To avoid this, always ensure you choose a reliable service that is committed to providing accurate test results and error-free reports. For added assurance, you may consider getting the test done twice from different providers and comparing the reports to check for any discrepancies.

MYTH 2: HOME BLOOD COLLECTION PROCESS IS UNHYGIENIC 

Again, such a situation does not necessarily prove that the blood test at home is not recommended. If you are careful to select a certified phlebotomist, you can be sure that all safety and hygiene protocols are adequately maintained. As for how to be sure whether the phlebotomist is following these protocols, you must visit the service website to check the positive/negative customer reviews on the quality of the service. Also, you should not hold yourself back from asking the general questions before you book the visit. 

MYTH 3: HOME BLOOD TESTS ARE ONLY FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE SICK 

Although this is a typical situation, the truth is that anyone can confidently book the home blood testing services. Some of the top reasons why people select home blood tests include a busy schedule for professionals or for elderly parents who may find it inconvenient to visit a facility. A lot of clients also select the service to avoid hospital queues and get the blood test done at their own time! Also, if you want the test to be done discreetly (such as a blood test for sexually transmitted diseases), it might be a better option to call the technician at home instead of visiting the facility in person.   

MYTH 4: HOME BLOOD TESTS ARE USUALLY MORE EXPENSIVE 

This myth stems from the fact that you might have to pay additionally to access the services at your location. However, this is not an industry standard, and if you search well enough, you can find a suitable healthcare service offering affordable blood sample collection from home. That said, you should think twice before settling for a cheap service, as the decision can affect the accuracy and hygiene of the blood test. 

Conclusion

In view of the above myths, you should find yourself at a more informed place about selecting the right healthcare provider for a blood test at home. With a reputed provider, you can always be certain of the reliability of the results and the sample collection process. Even so, make sure all your queries are clearly addressed before the blood sample is taken.