When a child is feeling unwell — or simply dislikes medical settings — a trip to the laboratory becomes an ordeal of its own. The “lab at home” format solves this: a specialist comes to you, collects the samples and delivers them to the laboratory.
Which tests can be done at home
Most common tests can usually be done at home: blood and urine tests, swabs. The exact list depends on the laboratory — when booking, name the tests that have been prescribed and you will be told straight away which are available in the home format and which require a clinic visit.
How the visit works
You choose a convenient time, and the specialist arrives with single-use consumables. Drawing blood from a child takes a few minutes; at home a little one stays calmer than in an unfamiliar treatment room, which matters especially for children who are afraid of needles. Results arrive within the agreed timeframe — confirm how you will receive them, and when, at booking, as this depends on the specific tests.
The collected samples are labelled and transported to the laboratory under the storage conditions required for each type of test. If your test has special requirements, you can ask about transport when booking.
How to prepare
- confirm when booking whether the test must be done on an empty stomach — the rules depend on the test and the child's age;
- have the referral or the list of prescribed tests from the doctor ready;
- choose a calm, well-lit spot at home;
- for a baby — a changing mat; for an older child — an honest explanation of what is about to happen, without promises that it “won't hurt at all”.
We covered preparing for a blood test in detail — fasting or not, whether water is allowed, how to calm your child — in a separate article.
Preparation by age
- infant: pick a time between a feed and a nap — if the test does not require fasting, a well-fed baby will tolerate the draw more calmly; bring a changing mat and a dummy;
- child aged 1–3: on the day of the visit, explain briefly and honestly that a specialist will come and take the sample quickly; a favourite toy in hand helps noticeably;
- pre-schooler and older: explain in advance why the test is needed and how it will go; invite your child to ask the specialist their own questions — taking part reduces fear.
When it is better to come to the clinic
If the tests were prescribed as part of a pediatrician's consultation, it is more convenient to do them at the clinic straight away: the doctor can assess the results in the context of the examination. The same applies when rapid tests or instrumental investigations are needed alongside lab work. The format can always be discussed when booking.
What to confirm when booking
- which of the prescribed tests are available in the home format, and which are clinic-only;
- preparation rules for each test: fasting or not, whether water is allowed;
- on which days and at what times home visits are possible;
- how and when you will receive the results.