The feasibility and acceptability of home phlebotomy for patients with cancer

Abstract

Time toxicity is a significant burden for oncology patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating mobile phlebotomy into standard of care procedures. From September 26, 2022, through December 31, 2023, 345 patients had 1,464 home laboratory test collection visits completed. These mobile phlebotomy laboratory collection visits occurred in New York (68.6% of visits), New Jersey (29.9%), Connecticut (1.1%), and Pennsylvania (0.5%). Specimen quality for home laboratory test collection surpassed Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine benchmarks. Acceptability was high, 173 patients were approached and 149 responded (86% response rate); most respondents (147/149, 99%) would use the service again or recommend it to others. This study assessed the integration of mobile phlebotomy into standard of care management for the collection of routine cancer laboratory tests. Mobile phlebotomy results in high patient satisfaction with superior specimen quality, offering a valuable solution to oncology patients for improved efficiency and convenience.