An October 2009 report from The Australian revealed a medical mistake involving a Japanese man who was mistakenly diagnosed with rectal cancer and was given an artificial rectum. While the information on this case is quite limited, it appears to be similar to other cases we have covered in that post surgical tests revealed no cancer in the removed tissue. The man is suing the hospital for 35 million yen or approximately $415,000 in compensation.
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The report does not reveal the source of the diagnostic mistake; however, it likely resulted due to Specimen Provenance Complications (SPC), such as patient misidentification or specimen transposition. When SPCs are detected, it is often not until AFTER an unnecessary surgery or treatment has taken place.
SPCs can be virtually eliminated through the implementation of a system that establishes specimen provenance, such as know error® system. Through the use of DNA Specimen Provenance Assignment (DSPA) and bar code technology, the know error® system brings new levels of safey and accuracy to the biposy evaluation process. The system dramatically reduces the incidence of SPC and virtually eliminates diagnostic mistakes due to SPC. By performing DNA matching prior to treatment, the know error® system assures that SPCs will be detected prior to any adverse patient outcomes.
For more information about the know error® system, please visit our website at www.knowerror.com.
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