Genetic disorder test blunder

The tests were for genetic disorders

A laboratory which examines blood for genetic disorders carried out the wrong tests on the samples of hundreds of patients, health chiefs said.

The errors at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee came to light after a patient developed a rare genetic condition, despite having been tested in 1996 and found not to be at risk.

The hospital said it was retesting about 1,000 samples analysed between 1995 and 1997 after an initial inquiry found that specimens taken from patients had been subject to the wrong tests.

"Labelling errors" at the hospital's Molecular Genetics Laboratory were said to be the cause of the mix-up.

This is clearly a matter of great concern to us and we are conducting this investigation as a priority to establish exactly why so many transposition mistakes occurred and why they were not noticed.

Chief executive Gerry Marr

The laboratory at the hospital is analysing second samples taken from the patients at the time they were tested.

But, about 200 patients are being recalled to undergo further testing because the hospital does not have their samples in storage.

They will be tested to find out if have a risk of developing serious illness due to genetic abnormality.

It could be up to three months before all patients involved have undergone retesting and are given accurate information.

Tayside Hospitals NHS Trust said the errors all appeared to stem from the work of one technician who left the hospital in 1997 and no longer works in the health service.

Unnecssary distress

A spokesman said the Trust would be investigating whether it could take any action against the technician, but stressed the hospital was more concerned about the welfare of its patients.

He added that there was no suggestion of any "malice" or "deliberate" tampering with samples.

So far 19 labelling errors have been found in more than 300 samples tested, three of which are said to be 'significant' in clinical terms.

The hospital declined to give details of the three cases, which include the patient whose condition raised the alarm.

Transposition mistakes

The Trust has since apologised and offered counselling to the patient and their family.

Chief executive Gerry Marr said: "This is clearly a matter of great concern to us and we are conducting this investigation as a priority to establish exactly why so many transposition mistakes occurred and why they were not noticed."

A special telephone hotline has been set up to offer support and advice to patients who underwent genetic tests at Ninewells between 1995 and 1997.

Anyone who thinks they may be affected should call 0800 328 5275.