PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – Some patients and doctors in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region are receiving letters after errors were found in lab results that could have led to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
The potential for errors affecting 30 patients was discovered on Oct. 21 after a request was made for results that had not been provided to a doctor.
An investigation found six patients had incorrect information provided to doctors after results were copied and pasted.
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The results for another 24 patients were compiled but not sent to their physicians. Of those, seven had abnormal results that required further investigation.
No other patients had test results that required further investigation or treatment.
The tests were carried out between Sept. 9 and Oct. 21.
“The Region regrets the errors, and has investigated the problem and a change in process has already been made,” stated Dr. Edmund Royeppen, the senior medical officer for the region.
An external laboratory was providing cytology testing for abnormal cells in fluids for either thyroid biopsies or urine samples.
PAPHR officials said the errors were not made by the lab.
The errors have been reported as a critical incident to the health ministry.
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