It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world.
Many medical procedures have been halted or curtailed as the pandemic creates an unprecedented challenge for the healthcare systems worldwide.
Global health officials have also issued a warning for patients in need of phlebotomy services as they might put their lives at risk by going to hospitals during a pandemic.
Thus, it’s imperative to understand how blood draws services at hospitals during this COVID-19 pandemic can affect you, your family, and your friends.
1. Blood Contamination
Blood can be contaminated by virus particles on surfaces such as masks, gloves, or gowns worn by healthcare workers during testing procedures. You and other patients present at the hospital for blood work can be exposed to these viruses.
The researchers found that only one of three hospitals had any specific protocol for drawing blood during the pandemic. And none had implemented practices consistent with guidelines issued by national organizations such as the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC).
2. Increased Workload
The current pandemic has put a tremendous strain on all the resources of the nation, including the medical services. The paramedics are subjected to an increased workload and have to work for longer hours.
This leaves little time for them to pay attention to individual cases of phlebotomy, as they attend to more than one patient at a given time.
Therefore, paramedics are more likely to make mistakes while drawing blood from patients during such a situation. This can result in deep vein puncture, bruising, excessive bleeding, and trauma for patients.
3. Air Contamination
Another problem with hospitals during the pandemic is that they have become hotbeds for certain infections and a significant source of transmission for COVID-19. Even if you go in without showing symptoms, you could easily pick up COVID-19 by being exposed to contaminated air during your visit.
Many patients are sent home with instructions to self-quarantine. However, some people ignore this advice, which can also put others at risk. The best solution is to reduce your need to visit hospitals by opting for mobile phlebotomy services Fairfax.
How Can Mobile Phlebotomy Help?
The best way to avoid exposure to COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible and opt for mobile blood testing services.
Phlebotomy on Wheels is a reliable mobile lab service provider VA recognized for its wide range of in-home phlebotomy services.
These include 24-hour STAT mobile blood draw, specimen pickup and delivery, and urine and stool sample collection. Reach out to them today to schedule your appointment.
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