Patient centric blood sampling and analysis for diagnostics and laboratory medicine

Blood sampling and diagnostic laboratory analysis are important aspects of our healthcare systems and patient management. However, the process by which the majority of blood specimens are currently collected, venipuncture, does not put the needs of the patient at the center of the process. This article explores the potential utilization of patient centric sampling (PCS) for the collection of smaller blood volumes using technologies that can enable this sampling to take place at a time and location that is more comfortable and convenient for the patient, including self-sampling at home. We discuss the benefits of these technologies, where they are currently used (including case studies), what to consider when contemplating their use and the current regulatory environment. We then explore why the routine adoption of these technologies has been relatively slow and how this impasse may be overcome for the benefit of all patients. This article describes a viable alternative approach for the collection of diagnostic specimens that puts the requirements of the patient at the center. It provides an invaluable resource for those interested in learning about and potentially implementing this approach into their workflows and addresses the concerns that individuals and organizations may have when doing so.

Plain Language Summary:

Laboratory testing guides medical care in most countries. However, blood collection can be uncomfortable and having to travel for blood draws is inconvenient for many, and impossible for some. This article discusses patient-centric sampling (PCS), a strategy that puts patients’ needs at the forefront of lab testing. Special devices have been developed for PCS that can collect blood for lab testing using smaller, less painful needles (or no needle at all). These devices can often be used by patients in the comfort of their home, allowing for greater access in rural communities without clinics, or for those without access to transportation. The article explains how PCS works, describes some of the previous experiences with specific PCS devices, and discusses why it is so difficult to make PCS the standard worldwide. We hope this article provides its readers with a good overview of the use of PCS for blood collection, and prepares them to face the obstacles that still need to be overcome to enable these technologies to be more generally available, where they bring benefit to patients.