Haematological and biochemical parameters are two of the important factors for safely administering oncological medication. These values should be available to the oncologist prior to administration of anticancer drugs in order to decide if they can be administered safely or if a dose reduction or postponement is necessary. In this project, the possibility of a blood sampling at home by a home care organisation 48–72 hours before the patient’s contact with the oncologist was evaluated to ensure that these parameters were available at the moment of consultation and to integrate these results in the patient electronic file.
From January 9, 2017, until April 30, 2017, 418 blood samplings were performed at home. Problems were not frequently encountered (4.7% of blood samplings). The pros and cons of this project are discussed. This project demonstrates that blood sampling at home is feasible and that the oncologist receives the required parameters in due time to ensure safe prescription and administration of anticancer medication.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2018;12(5):247–251)
