Home Care, Medical Tests, and Blood Donation in Luxembourg

Do you need to have a blood test, receive home nursing care, or donate blood in Luxembourg? This page provides useful information to help you understand who to contact, what steps to take, and how reimbursement works.

For expats, newcomers, families, seniors, or patients returning home after a hospital stay, these services are essential to receiving healthcare in Luxembourg.

Home Nursing Care in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, certain medical care can be provided at home, upon a doctor’s prescription. This may include care following a hospital stay, during convalescence, for a chronic illness, due to a loss of independence, or for a temporary need for care.

What types of care can be provided at home?

• injections;
• dressings;
• postoperative care;
• removal of sutures, stitches, or staples;
• blood draws;
• monitoring of certain treatments;
• care related to a chronic condition;
• assistance with personal hygiene or mobility in certain care settings.

How do I find a home health nurse?

You can find an independent nurse through medical appointment platforms, recommendations from your doctor or hospital, or home care networks.

The main home care and support networks in Luxembourg provide assistance to the elderly, people with long-term care needs, patients returning home from the hospital, and people with disabilities, among others:

• Help Syrdall Heem
• Help.lu
• the Stëftung Hëllef Doheem Foundation, Luxembourg’s largest home care and support network.
• Verbandskecht.

Home Care After a Hospital Stay

After a hospital stay, home care may be necessary to ensure continuity of treatment: dressing changes, injections, monitoring, rehabilitation, or daily support.

The return home should be planned in advance with the medical team, the primary care physician, nurses, and, if necessary, home care services.

See also our page on hospitals, maternity wards, and clinics in Luxembourg and our guide to physical therapy, osteopathy, and paramedical care.

Reimbursement for Home Nursing Care

Nursing care may be reimbursed by the CNS when prescribed by a doctor and when it meets the specified conditions. The CNS states that nursing care is covered even at home when necessary.

As a general rule, nursing care is reimbursed at a rate of 88% for adults and 100% for children and adolescents up to and including age 17.

To understand the coverage requirements, visit our page on healthcare reimbursement.

Supplemental insurance can increase your reimbursement rate. Visit our page here.

Home Care, Long-Term Care, and Home-Based Care

Nursing care should not be confused with home care or assistance with activities of daily living. Some people may need more comprehensive support: help with personal hygiene, meals, mobility, dressing, supervision, or care for dependent individuals.

These services may be covered by long-term care insurance once the application has been reviewed and approved. They are intended primarily for the elderly, people with disabilities, or those facing a long-term loss of independence.

To better understand social programs and health coverage, visit our pageon health insurance, the CNS, and social security.

Medical Tests and Blood Draws in Luxembourg

Medical tests help confirm a diagnosis, monitor treatment, screen for certain diseases, or track overall health. They may be ordered by a doctor or, in some cases, performed at the patient’s request.

Where can you have a blood test?

You can have a blood test or other medical tests done at private laboratories in Luxembourg, at certain hospitals, or, depending on the situation, at home.

It is recommended that you check the hours of operation, appointment procedures, fasting requirements, and necessary documents before going.

What documents should you bring?

• your prescription, if the tests were ordered by a doctor;
• your Luxembourg social security card;
• a form of identification;
• the instructions provided by the doctor or the laboratory;
• your supplemental insurance card or certificate, if necessary.

The National Health Laboratory

The National Health Laboratory, located in Dudelange, is a leading public institution. It carries out diagnostic, surveillance, and prevention activities related to human diseases and provides expertise in public health.

Reimbursement for Medical Tests

Prescribed medical tests may be covered by the CNS or the applicable health insurance fund, depending on the applicable conditions. Certain tests that are not prescribed or that are requested on a personal basis may be the patient’s responsibility.

Before undergoing a costly or non-prescribed test, ask the laboratory whether coverage is available.

Health Screenings in Luxembourg

Luxembourg offers various screening, prevention, and public health programs. Some tests are performed in laboratories, others in specialized clinics or during prevention campaigns.

HIV, STI, and Hepatitis Screening

HIV testing can be done free of charge and anonymously at certain specialized centers, including through the Red Cross’s HIV Berodung program or mobile units such as DIMPS.

Depending on the campaign, screening may also cover syphilis, hepatitis C, or other sexually transmitted infections.

HIV Self-Tests

HIV self-tests are available at certain pharmacies. They allow for an initial self-screening. If the result is positive or if there is any doubt, a confirmatory test and medical support are essential.

See also our page on pharmacies and on-call pharmacies in Luxembourg.

Screening and Prevention

Depending on your age, situation, medical history, or risk factors, your doctor may recommend specific screenings: blood tests, laboratory tests, sexual health screenings, prenatal care, cancer screenings, or monitoring of chronic conditions.

For medical guidance, see our guide on seeing a doctor in Luxembourg.

Donating Blood in Luxembourg

Blood donation is essential for treating the sick, accident victims, hospitalized patients, and people with certain serious illnesses. In Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Red Cross organizes blood, plasma, and platelet drives.

Who can donate blood?

The main requirements for donating blood in Luxembourg are as follows:

• be in good health;
• be at least 18 years old;
• weigh more than 50 kg;
• have no temporary or permanent medical contraindications.

A medical screening will determine whether you are eligible to donate on the day of your appointment.

How do I become a donor?

To donate blood, you must register with the blood donor registry. You can register through the Blood Donation website or directly with the Luxembourg Red Cross.

After registration, a medical interview and the necessary checks will confirm your eligibility to donate.

Donating Blood, Plasma, and Platelets

Whole blood donation is the most well-known, but it’s also possible to donate plasma or platelets. These donations serve different needs and may require a specific appointment.

A whole blood donation is relatively quick. Donating plasma or platelets takes longer and follows specific procedures.

How often can you donate?

Once you’re registered as a donor, you may be invited to donate several times a year, depending on your profile, your health, and the needs of the Blood Transfusion Center.

Time Off to Donate Blood

Some companies grant their employees time off to donate blood. The terms may vary depending on the employer.

Check with your HR department or visit our Employment and Training in Luxembourg section.

Pregnancy, Home Care, and Medical Tests

During pregnancy, regular medical tests may be prescribed. Certain situations may also require special monitoring, home care, or postpartum care.

To learn more about medical care during pregnancy, visit our page on pregnancy and maternity care in Luxembourg.

In summary

Home care, medical tests, and blood donation are among the essential services of Luxembourg’s healthcare system. They help ensure continuity of care, medical follow-up, prevention, and support for patients during key moments in their healthcare journey.

For expats and newcomers, the key is to identify the right point of contact: prescribing physician, nurse, laboratory, CNS, home care network, or the Luxembourg Red Cross.

FAQs on Home Care, Medical Tests, and Blood Donation

Is home nursing care reimbursed?

Yes, home nursing care may be reimbursed by the CNS when prescribed by a doctor and meets the applicable conditions.

How do I find a home health nurse in Luxembourg?

You can ask your doctor or the hospital for advice, or search for an independent nurse through appointment platforms or home care networks.

Where can I get a blood test in Luxembourg?

Blood tests can be performed at private laboratories, certain hospitals, or at home, depending on the situation and the doctor’s order.

Are medical tests covered?

Tests prescribed by a doctor may be covered by the CNS under applicable conditions. Some non-prescribed tests may not be covered.

Can you get a free HIV test in Luxembourg?

Yes, certain services offer rapid, free, and anonymous HIV tests, including HIV Berodung from the Red Cross and some mobile testing units.

Who can donate blood in Luxembourg?

People in good health who are at least 18 years old and weigh more than 50 kg can generally donate blood, subject to a medical screening.

Where can you donate blood in Luxembourg?

Blood donation is organized by the Luxembourg Red Cross, particularly at the Blood Transfusion Center.

Can you donate plasma or platelets?

Yes, you can donate plasma or platelets depending on the needs and your donor profile. These donations follow specific procedures and often require an appointment.

To protect your health in Luxembourg

• Healthcare System in Luxembourg
• Seeing a Doctor in Luxembourg
• Reimbursement for Healthcare
• Health Insurance, CNS, and Social Security
• Hospitals, maternity wards, and clinics
• Physical Therapy, Osteopathy, and Paramedical Care
• Pharmacies and on-call pharmacies
• Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
• Vaccinations in Luxembourg
• Recognition of degrees and regulated professions