Key Takeaways
- Taking blood on site avoids escorting residents to a surgery or hospital.
- A simple tracker of each resident’s due tests lets you group draws into one visit.
- Consent for residents who may lack capacity follows the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Why On-Site Draws Help
Sending a resident out for a blood test takes staff time for escort, transport and risk assessment. For residents living with dementia, leaving a familiar place can cause confusion and distress that lasts well beyond the appointment. A phlebotomist visiting the home avoids most of this.
Coordinating With GPs
Blood test requests for residents usually come from their GP practice. Keep a tracker, a spreadsheet or digital record of each resident’s requested tests and due dates, so you can group requests into a single visit rather than booking residents one at a time. Agreeing a regular visit day with the GP practice helps them time their requests.
Preparing for a Visit
- Collect the request forms before the visit.
- Set aside a quiet, well-lit room with a comfortable chair and a flat surface for equipment, or plan to visit residents in their own rooms.
- Confirm where the samples go and how results return to the GP.
- Have a member of staff who knows the residents available during the visit.
Consent for Residents Who May Lack Capacity
Taking blood from a resident who may lack capacity to consent must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In outline:
- Assume capacity unless it has been assessed otherwise. Many residents with dementia can understand and agree to a blood test with the right support.
- Support the decision with simple language, visual aids and extra time.
- Best interests — if a resident lacks capacity, a blood test can go ahead if it is in their best interests. Document the decision, involving the care team and, where possible, family or anyone holding lasting power of attorney for health and welfare.
- Least restrictive option — if a resident becomes distressed and resists, it may be better to stop and try again later. Record the attempt and the outcome.
Booking Through Lola Dispatch
Lola Dispatch is an invitation-only platform for healthcare businesses. Clients book blood draws in the client portal or through the Integration API, and each job is offered to nearby approved phlebotomists. To ask about access, contact us.
Booking blood draws for your patients?
Lola Dispatch is an invitation-only platform healthcare businesses use to book mobile blood draws with approved phlebotomists. It does not take bookings from the public.