At-home diagnostic tests, such as the COVID-19 and pregnancy tests, are probably already familiar to you. These tests enable people to obtain medical information while remaining safe and comfortable in their homes.
Blood tests still need to be carried out by trained professionals, which means that most people still need to visit a clinic or doctor’s office, despite medical advancements in at-home testing. For some older adults, individuals with disabilities, and residents of areas without access to medical facilities, however, getting to a clinic can be a barrier to receiving care.
The at-home lab testing sector is expanding its reach to aid in lowering the cost of blood tests. You can now schedule appointments for a variety of blood test at home to be performed by licensed phlebotomists at your home.
How most at-home lab tests operate
With at-home lab testing, biological samples like saliva, blood or urine are typically collected using a kit, and the results are then deciphered without the aid of a medical expert. Some labs, for instance, provide a variety of at-home test kits that screen for different health profiles and conditions. They might consist of:
- Food intolerances
- Sexually transmissible diseases
- Levels of vitamin D
- Thyroid activity
Once you have got the test kit, you gather the samples, finish the test, and send it to a lab for evaluation. However, some at-home lab tests call for a doctor to place an order for a test kit on your behalf, wherein the lab representative will visit your home to collect the samples. Your results will be sent to you in a day or two through email or whatsapp.
The use of at-home blood tests is expanding
Even though there are numerous at-home lab tests that have been available for years, their use has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The noticeable rise in at-home testing may be partly attributed to the widely accessible COVID-19 tests, testing requirements set forth by employers and schools, and the desire to protect oneself from coronavirus exposure.
According to a report, the number of COVID-19 tests performed at home reached its peak in January 2022, when 11% of the population who were surveyed admitted to using at-home tests in the 30 days prior. At-home testing is anticipated to have a market value of more than $2 billion by 2025, according to another report. Furthermore, a recent market research analysis predicts that the global market for at-home testing kits will expand at a rate of 6.1% from 2022 to 2029.
Clinical lab testing versus blood tests done at home
Your healthcare provider orders at-home lab tests just like those done in a clinical setting. A certified phlebotomist must visit your home to collect blood samples for blood test at home in Mumbai, so they can be taken to the lab. You and your healthcare professional will have access to the results when they are ready. Generally speaking, the majority of the diagnostic and health condition monitoring tests that you would ordinarily get in a clinical lab are included in most of the at-home lab tests that are currently available.
Several key benefits of conducting lab tests at home include:
- You do not need to leave your house, which may make it easier for you to get the testing you require to help diagnose or treat a medical condition.
- In the event that you have restricted access to medical facilities, a disability, or restricted mobility, it removes obstacles to testing.
- You can perform the test alone, with only the phlebotomist present. This might lessen some of the anxieties connected to certain stigma.
- You can obtain results more quickly, which might result in earlier treatment.
- Testing in your home may be more convenient and more suited to your schedule.
How home testing can help remove care-related obstacles
According to a 2017 report analysis, the results of laboratory tests influence 60–70% of clinical decisions. In addition, it is believed that laboratory testing is necessary in 80% of recommendations for managing or diagnosing medical conditions. Thus, it may be essential to have readily available medical tests to guarantee that medical conditions are properly managed.
Are at-home tests the best option for you?
To find out which diagnostic tests are suitable and accessible for an at-home blood test online, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider. In order to find out if having testing done at home is safe for you, you must discuss risk factors with your doctor, such as past fainting spells caused by blood draws, acute illness, anemia, or pregnancy.
Some tests need to be processed quickly, and they will not be accepted if they cannot be delivered by a certain deadline. Based on the patient’s location, the lab’s schedule, and the phlebotomist’s availability, this will change.
In order to prevent any potential side effects, you should be hydrated, well-rested, and composed during the lab draw if you choose to test at home.
Takeaway
The growing trend of at-home lab testing, especially blood testing, may help traditionally underserved and marginalized populations gain access to care. It may also be a practical and less expensive choice than testing in a clinical setting. Experts believe that this trend will continue. Diagnostic testing in the home setting has changed and become more prevalent as a result of the pandemic. People are prepared to reinvent the standard medical visit, as virtual healthcare expands and the population becomes more educated.
Orange Health Labs is a top diagnostic center in Mumbai that offers at-home blood collection services. The ease of these tests revolutionizes the diagnostic testing industry with actionable diagnostic insights, empowering consumers to take control of their health and put an emphasis on prevention. However, not everyone should perform at-home lab tests, especially if they have a health condition or are at risk for developing one. To decide if at-home testing is appropriate for you, consult your healthcare professional.