What to expect during an in-home specimen collection
A mobile specimen collection typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Please have your photo identification and your insurance card ready. Providing your insurance information lets us bill your insurance company for your lab testing. Billing for lab testing is separate from the mobile specimen collection fee required when scheduling your in-home appointment.
Your specimen will be collected by a medically–trained Quest Mobile professional. Only single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used to collect the specimen and vinyl gloves are always worn.
If you’re getting a few blood tests, more than 1 test tube might be attached to the needle before it’s withdrawn.
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COVID-19 precautions
We continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants closely.
The CDC guidance specifically indicates that everyone in a “healthcare setting” should continue to wear masks and adhere to other established guidelines, including using PPE.
Our mobile phlebotomists will wear facial protection that covers eyes, nose, and mouth during examinations. We strongly encourage patients to wear a mask during their in-home appointment.
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Preparing yourself for a mobile specimen collection
Be sure to drink plenty of water before your in-home visit. Being fully hydrated will help increase your blood volume, and hydrated veins are easier to find, making for an easier draw.
Some blood tests require fasting for 8-12 hours prior to having your blood drawn. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine the requirements for your specific testing.
You should take any regularly scheduled medications as usual. If you take blood-thinning medication, be sure to tell your phlebotomist.
If you are participating in a screening that does not require you to fast, this means you are free to eat before your screening.
Your phlebotomist is focused on providing you with attentive, compassionate care and will strive to make sure you understand and are comfortable with each step in the process.
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Getting your results
Any specimens obtained during the visit are sent to Quest Diagnostics and the results are forwarded to the ordering healthcare provider for assessment, usually within 2-5 days.
Quest Mobile professionals are aware of the tests performed, however, they are not qualified to discuss testing reasons nor do they get results.
Lab results can be accessed through MyQuest; Quest’s free and secure online health tool delivers easy-to-understand lab results directly to your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. If you don’t already have a MyQuest account, you can sign up now for free at MyQuestResults.com
While MyQuest will guide you through your lab results, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor. Together, you can decide what’s best for your health.
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Providing feedback on your experience
We want to hear your perspective on your in-home collection. Please participate in our patient survey. This helps us to continue to improve our process and helps ensure that you are receiving the best patient experience possible.
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