How Blood Tests at Home Are Changing Preventive Healthcare?

The healthcare industry is revolutionizing immensely, thanks to the growing technology. We are in a time where you can self-diagnose your health issue with an at-home blood test. Many labs in metro cities are offering blood sample collection from home, making it easy for patients to avoid stepping out of their homes.

The main purpose of at-home blood tests is to evaluate various health conditions such as diabetes, infections, vitamin D deficiency, hemoglobin, cholesterol, glucose levels, and other potential health concerns.

These tests offer a comprehensive health checkup, enabling early detection and timely preventive care. With the growing accessibility of home-based testing, you can now schedule a blood test in just a few clicks no need to visit a clinic. Post-Covid-19, there has been a sudden spike in demand for blood tests at home. According to one report, the at-home test industry will be over $2 billion by 2025.

Benefits of Getting a Blood Test at Home

Convenience i​n Testing

Conducting the blood test at home provides unparalleled convenience to patients, without stepping out of the clinic. When you connect with the nearest lab, professionals will arrive at your home to collect the sample. For patients facing mobility issues, this is the best option.

Reduced Waiting Time

At-home testing also greatly minimizes waiting times, allowing you to get tested and have your results quickly. Furthermore, at-home testing provides a discreet option for those who value their privacy or are uncomfortable in clinical settings. This ensures that you get tested in any condition, including sensitive ones, in the privacy of your own home.

Cost-Effective

Clinic visits can cost you dearly, especially if they are far and you must visit regularly. In contrast, a blood test at home is cost-effective, with competitive pricing for the added convenience. This makes routine health screenings and specialty tests more accessible to a larger audience.

Different Types of Blood Test Conducted At Home

There are different types of blood tests conducted at home. Some of these are-

Lipid Profile Test

This test helps track your cholesterol levels. HDL (good cholesterol) supports heart health, while high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) can raise the risk of heart disease. By taking a cholesterol blood test at home, you can gain insight into your cholesterol profile and take necessary steps to keep your levels within a healthy range.

Hemoglobin Test

Hemoglobin is crucial for transporting oxygen to human tissues. The test examines the various components of blood cells, including blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. A hemoglobin test can diagnose anemia or other blood problems, allowing for more effective management and prevention of complications.

Chronic Disease

Individuals who are facing chronic illnesses, including diabetes or high cholesterol, need to undergo regular blood tests. However, with testing tools available at the counter, you can easily conduct a blood test at home and share the same with the lab. This frequent testing improves illness management, allowing patients to maintain good health without having to return to the clinic.

Specialised Tests

There are specialised tests to monitor thyroid function, liver function, and vitamin levels that can be conducted at home. With blood sample collection from home available, you can consider conducting the same using testing tools. These tests provide valuable insights into health, allowing for early detection of problems. A thyroid panel, for example, measures T3, T4, and TSH levels to aid in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Infection Tests

At-home testing can diagnose illnesses such as COVID-19, STDs, and hepatitis early. This ensures timely treatment while effectively reducing the danger of transmission.

How is a Blood Test at Home Conducted?

There are different ways in which a blood test at home is conducted. With tools available in the market, you can do the test without having any expertise.

● Booking the Test: While booking a home blood test, you can choose the closest    diagnostic centre for appointment.

● Sample Collection: A medical professional would visit your home to collect theblood sample. However, it is important to keep the sample collection tool clean.

● Laboratory Analysis: Once the sample is collected, it is then sent to the laboratory for analysis, which ensures the same accuracy and standards as in clinic settings.

● Receiving Results: Test results are given by email via a secure web portal, allowing for rapid consultations with your healthcare professionals as needed.

Should Patients Opt for a Blood Test at Home?

When you are using a clean and well-tested blood testing tool from a recognized diagnostic centre, you can rest assured of good results. However, you need to discuss the process of collecting blood for the test with the doctor before going ahead. Discuss the risk factor and the analysis process.

Conclusion

At-home blood testing is becoming increasingly popular and holds the potential to improve access to healthcare for underserved and marginalized communities. It also offers a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional testing conducted in clinical settings.