Toxicology results matched to wrong patients, Sask. government says
Dozens of samples that were undergoing toxicology testing last month were matched to the wrong patients, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health says.
The mistake, involving 32 patient tests, happened April 9 at the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory, the government announced Tuesday.
Details about the nature of the toxicology tests wasn't immediately available. Such tests are sometimes done in connection with suspected drug overdose or substance abuse cases.
The health ministry said it has taken steps to correct the mistake, which it said was due to an error in how automated equipment was programmed.
SDCL executive director Patrick O'Byrne called it a serious situation, although he said the lab does not believe patient care was compromised as a result.
"We sincerely apologize to these patients for any concern or anxiety this may have caused them or their families," O'Byrne said in a news release.
The lab has followed up directly with the care providers for all of the patients affected, and provided contact information for those who have additional questions, the ministry said.
