Patients

There are millions of biopsies performed in the United States alone each year.  The process of evaluating each biopsy is complex and requires numerous steps and several medical professionals.  Even with sophisticated quality assurance systems in place, mistakes are inevitable when considering the complexity of the process and the sheer volume of biopsies being performed and evaluated. 

With the switching of a biopsy result, even a small mistake in the process can lead to serious consequences for patients.  To help prevent such errors, many physicians around the country are turning to the know error® specimen security system as a critical step in the process of evaluating biopsies. This system uses DNA matching to ensure that, when a patient’s results arrive, the results belong to the patient.  The know error® system incorporates three important steps – swab, sample and DNA match. These elements are described below:

swab.  Before a biopsy procedure, a reference sample of a patient's DNA is taken by gently swabbing the inside of his cheek. The swab is sent to an independent forensics lab with the patient's unique patient ID.

sample.  The unique bar code is attached to the patient's file along with all other materials in the biopsy kit.

DNA match.  When the patient's pathology results come back, the forensics lab analyzes the tissue from the biopsy and compares it to the reference sample confirming a DNA match.

By confirming a DNA match, both patient and physician can confidently proceed with treatment options based on the patient’s lab results. 

With the know error® specimen security system, each patient’s DNA profile is safe, secure and private.  The forensics lab does not share a patient’s DNA information with anyone or use it for any purpose other than matching a patient’s biopsy tissue and his reference sample.  DNA samples are retained for a period of two years from the date of collection and then destroyed after the retention period. 

If you are interested in learning more about the know error® specimen security system with unique patient code and DNA confirmation, please click here to contact us.