Two component institutions of Heartland Cancer Research NCORP have created drive-through laboratory services for outpatients during the COVID-19 crisis.
The service does not test patients for coronavirus infection, but provides a mechanism for patients with cancer and blood diseases to have laboratory studies for treatment or clinical trial requirements in the safest possible manner. The drive-up laboratory sites meet the requirements of the state and local governments’ shelter-in-place orders.
At both Springfield Clinic (Springfield, IL; Preet P. Singh, Sub-PI for Disparities and Cancer Care Delivery Research) and Missouri Baptist Medical Center (St. Louis, MO; Bryan A Faller, principal investigator), upon arrival, the patient drives into a designated parking area, calls the registration area and registers for the visit by telephone.
A phlebotomist is sent to the patient’s vehicle and performs the blood draw with the patient’s arm extended through the window. After the drive-through visit, the patient obtains results and further instructions by telephone or via the patient portal.
Springfield Clinic has developed an educational video for patients, describing the service. The service has been popular at both NCORP sites and may be a model for patient-centered service after the pandemic subsides.
