In this article we will discuss starting a mobile blood collection business in California is one of those concepts which really makes good sense today. As more individuals desire healthcare at home—particularly elderly individuals and working professionals—the need for mobile blood collection is increasing. This guide is going to walk you through all the things you need to know to get your business up and running, even if you're starting from scratch.
Whether you’re a phlebotomist looking to be your own boss or someone exploring healthcare business ideas, this article breaks it all down in plain English—with steps, costs, licenses, and FAQs included.
What Exactly is a Mobile Phlebotomy Business?
A mobile phlebotomy business is pretty much what it sounds like. You, a trained phlebotomist, go to a patient’s home (or sometimes their workplace or a care facility) to collect blood or other lab samples. After that, you deliver the samples to a diagnostic lab.
This service is a lifesaver for:
● Seniors
● People with mobility challenges
● Folks who don’t wanna go to clinics
● Homebound patients
● Busy professionals who just prefer convenience
In California, with its massive population and focus on healthcare access, this business model is a real opportunity.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Mobile Phlebotomy Business in California
1. First, You Gotta Be Certified
To legally draw blood in California, you must be certified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). No skipping this step—California’s pretty strict about it.
There are three types of phlebotomy licenses in CA:
◆ Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) – no venipunctures allowed
◆ Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) – most common
◆ Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) – allows arterial punctures too
If you’re planning on running your own business, CPT I or CPT II is the way to go.
What you’ll need to do:
Attend a state-approved phlebotomy training program
Complete hands-on blood draws (typically 40+)
Pass a national certification exam (like NHA, AMT, or NCCT)
Submit your application to CDPH
Don’t wait to apply. Sometimes the state take a few weeks to process things.
2. Get Some Real-World Experience
Just because you have the license doesn’t mean you’re fully ready. Working in the field teaches you how to handle nervous patients, tricky veins, and emergency situations.
Where you can get experience:
● Hospitals
● Clinical labs (like LabCorp or Quest)
● Blood drives
● Doctor’s offices
Try to work for at least a year before jumping into your own business. It helps with confidence and credibility.
3. Choose Your Business Structure
You gotta make your business legal. California has a few options for registering your business, but most phlebotomists choose:
Sole Proprietorship – simple, but no liability protection
LLC (Limited Liability Company) – protects your personal assets, better if you’re serious
To form an LLC in CA:
● Choose a name and check if it’s available
● File Articles of Organization with the CA Secretary of State
● Get an EIN from the IRS
● Register with the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) if you will be charging sales tax
You should likely seek assistance from an accountant or legal service. It's not very costly but worth the peace of mind.
4. Don’t Forget Licenses, Permits & Insurance
Some California cities and counties require small business licenses. You’ll need to check with your local city hall to see what’s needed.
Also, look into:
● CLIA waiver (if you plan to do any lab testing yourself, like glucose or rapid COVID tests)
● Medical waste disposal contract (you’ll need to legally dispose of used needles and sharps)
As for insurance, at minimum get:
● Professional liability insurance
● General business liability insurance
● Commercial auto insurance if you drive for business
Workers’ comp if you hire anyone
It’s not super cheap but better safe than getting sued later.
5. Get All Your Equipment Together
You’ll need to be fully equipped to start. Here’s a list of must-haves:
● Needles, syringes, butterfly sets
● Tourniquets
● Alcohol swabs and gauze
● Vacutainers and tubes
● Gloves (lots of them)
● Biohazard bags
● Sharps containers (very important)
● Label printer and barcode scanner
● Portable cooler with ice packs
● Storage containers for your vehicle
● Lab requisition forms
Keep your car clean, organized, and temperature-controlled for sample integrity.
Some labs will give you free supplies if you’re contracted with them.
6. Get Contracts With Labs and Clinics
Now comes the hustle part. You’ll need to build relationships with diagnostic labs, physicians, and care agencies. These are the people who’ll refer patients to you or outsource collections.
Start by contacting:
● LabCorp, Quest, BioReference
● Local urgent care centers
● Concierge doctors
● Nursing homes
● Home health agencies
What you should offer:
● A service agreement (outlining what you do, pricing, pickup times, etc.)
● Proof of certification, insurance, and experience
● Turnaround time guarantees
It may take a few "nos" before you get a "yes." Don’t get discouraged.
7. Set Your Prices and Services
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Set rates that are fair but profitable.
Typical rates in California:
● Routine blood draw at home: $40–$75
● Stat (urgent) draw: $100+
● DNA test collection: $150+
● Drug screens: $60–$90
Some businesses charge per visit, while others charge per mile plus base fee.
Services you might offer:
● Standard blood draws
● Drug & alcohol testing
● DNA paternity testing
● Wellness panels
● Routine specimen pickup for doctors
Always discuss pricing with labs before you finalize anything.
8. Build a Website and Go Online
Today’s customers are online. If you’re not, they won't find you. Build a basic but professional website that lists:
● Your services
● Areas you serve
● Pricing (optional)
● Contact info
HIPAA-safe contact form or booking system
9. Get Some Software to Run Things Smoothly
Don’t run this all on paper—it’ll be chaos. Use online tools to manage your schedule and payments.
Helpful tools:
Calendly or Acuity for booking
Square or QuickBooks for invoices and payments
Spruce Health or TheraNest for HIPAA-compliant messaging
Google Maps for route planning
A little tech goes a long way in keeping things professional.
Pros and Cons of Starting This Business in California
Pros:
● Mass demand in the city and country
● You set your own schedule
● Low initial investment (relative to clinics)
● Can build into a team or franchise
● High fees per visit
Cons:
● Traffic in California is not a joke
● Have to remain compliant with extremely strict health regulations
● Insurance billing can be a mess
● Do everything yourself (unless you hire some help)
How Much Does It Cost to Start?
Here’s a rough breakdown of startup costs in California:
◆ Training & certification$2,000 – $4,000
◆ LLC & legal fees $300 – $800
◆ Insurance $800 – $1,500
◆ Equipment & supplies $1,500 – $3,000
◆ Website & software $500 – $1,000
Total$5,000 – $10,000+
You can definitely start small and grow over time.
How Much Can You Earn?
Once you’re set up and have a few contracts, your income potential is solid.
Solo operator: $60,000 – $120,000/year
With staff or contracts: $150,000+ per year
It depends on how far you’re willing to drive, how many clients you serve, and how well you market yourself.
FAQs: Starting a Mobile Phlebotomy Business in CA
Q1: Is certification required in California?
Q2: Do I need a business license?
Q3: Can I work from home?
Q4: Do I need a CLIA waiver?
Q5: Can I bill insurance?
Q6: How long does it take to get started?
Q7: What about medical waste?
Final Thoughts
It does require effort to start a mobile phlebotomy company in California, but it's one of the more adaptable, low-overhead avenues of entry into healthcare entrepreneurship. You have the ability to help people, dictate your schedule, and grow as you wish.
If you are organized, professional, and driven, this business can lead to financial freedom and a tangible impact within your community.
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