Home Service MedTech at your service!

My mini homeservice kit 

In the laboratory, we offer home service. Yes, a patient can have his/her blood drawn in the comforts of their home. That means they could get a phlebotomist to do the venipuncture and shall be the ones to deliver the samples to the lab.

My first home service was memorable. At that time, I was assigned in the Clinical Microscopy and medtechs assigned in this section will be the ‘first call’ if there is any home service available. At around 10 in the morning, while I was processing urine samples, the lab encoder informed me that there would be a home service and I should prepare the phlebo kit since the driver was waiting.

After knowing the request, nervousness hit upon me and several questions popped out like, What if the patient is hard-stick? With fragile or collapsible veins? What happens if I can’t get a blood sample?

I always blame myself for being so pessimistic but I need to do this to keep my pride. Since this was my first time being a home service medtech, I decided to bring an intern as my assistant. As I prepared the kit, the driver was indeed waiting for us so after I made sure that my provisions are complete, we went with the driver to the parking lot.

Whoa, at first, I really felt uneasiness within as we were on our way to the patient’s house. Good thing the driver was talkative as I asked him questions about the patient. He said that ‘Sir’ is nice and there is nothing to worry about. They used to have an on-call medtech before (a former colleague) when that medtech decided to work abroad so they don’t have a choice but to get another one.

The patient lives at an exclusive villa and as we were near the place, I could say that he’s extravagantly rich as the gates automatically opened and the landscape of the house was breathtaking. I and my intern thought it was like a retreat house. Their house was so peaceful, the twits of the birds and the freshness of the wind welcomed us.

Panic started to crept when we were led by the caretaker inside. The patient was already there and I told myself that I will get the blood as soon as possible. I greeted ‘Sir’ and I figured he’s a nice man already in his 70s. I looked at his lab request, it was Executive Panel C. That would be 3 EDTA tubes, 3 Red Tops and 1 ESR. As I asked him to stretch his arms, what a big relief I had in my body as the man’s median vein was palpable! Thank God!

I decided to use Evacuated Tube System and I successfully filled the tubes. My intern helped in assembling the supplies and after I filled the last tube, removed the needle from the vein and applied pressure, the patient didn’t complain. I put the labels into its respective tubes and the patient gave me the homeservice fee or the professional fee. I just put it inside my pocket first and thanked him. I told him that all the results will be released in the afternoon.

Never did I expect that the man was gallant, when we finally returned to the lab, I realized he gave me a double of the suggested homeservice fee! I was thankful and gave the intern her share. I vividly recalled I treated myself a mouthwatering ‘sisig’ for lunch. Yum!

That marked the start of being the family’s medtech of a prominent business owner here in Cebu. I also had the chance to get the blood sample of his wife then time came when they recommended me to another generous family. The driver told me they were satisfied of my service. Since then, they always call me for monthly lab tests or when they feel ill and the doctor requests for CBC. I feel so loved by them and so are the drivers, they were ready to fetch me even from my home when need of blood extraction arises. I always receive a warm welcome from them.

Holy water given by Ma'am Marilyn from 
Lourdes, France

As I spent my days in Clinical Microscopy, I found homeservices enjoyable. It was not only challenging as a phlebotomist but through this, it saved me financially when I’m almost running out of money. Honestly, I was able to earn extra thru this. Although it’s inevitable to come across patients with difficult veins but butterfly is always on the rescue. Also, you couldn’t help to face strict patients or inquisitive family members when you have to try on the other vein since you are in their abode. Confidence is the key here! I always keep myself calm to each homeservice and I make sure that I return to the lab with the patient’s sample.  

Well, I’m gonna miss home service. I wonder if my new hospital offers this. My prayers to the families I’ve serviced for almost 2 years. Thank you so much, Ma’am and Sir. It’s a pleasure to work with you.