Factors that influence the acceptability of collecting in-home finger stick blood samples in an urban, low-income population

Objectives. To examine the acceptability of non-medical, community-based interviewers obtaining blood samples during in-home interviews from low-income study participants. Methods. Two separate focus groups were conducted, one with ten non-medical community-based interviewers and the other with eight research participants from a low-income population. (Both the interviewers and the research participants had previously taken part in a research project over the course of five years.) Results. Participants and interviewers were comfortable with finger stick blood samples performed in the home. The interviewers felt that adequate training was critical. Participants identified key issues: blood would not be used for other purposes and that the interviewers would be trained to handle blood safely. Both groups felt that it was crucial to communicate the study purpose and results. Recommendations from the focus groups were implemented and the acceptance rate for blood sampling was 99.5% (205/206). Conclusion. Proper training of interviewers, organization of supplies, and communication with participants can be combined to maximize acceptance of in-home, finger stick blood sample collection by community-based interviewers among a low-income population.