By Elishya Perera
SINGAPORE (CWBN)_A private laboratory in Singapore reported yesterday (Oct 12) that 233 COVID-19 samples had been accidently disposed due to lapses in protocol. The samples were collected under the Swab-and-Send-Home programme under which, patients who meet a certain criteria are swabbed and sent home, while the samples are sent to a lab where testing can take up to three working days.
The incident had taken place on Wednesday (Oct 7), and the matter was brought to attention when the clinics started to contact the lab, requesting for the test results. The Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the affected clinics have been informed regarding the incident. According to the CEO of the laboratory, arrangements have already been made for the affected patients to be re-swabbed, and their samples will be given priority, in order to ensure that they receive the test results without further delay. Accordingly, as of Sunday (Oct 11), 102 patients of the affected clinics have been retested, and their results have turned out negative.
The MOH stated that it took a serious view of the incident and it would take appropriate action against the lab if investigations revealed any breach of the regulations. Meanwhile, the laboratory claims that investigations have identified two lapses in protocol. The first was that the samples were handed over by the courier at the same time the staff were disposing old samples, and the second was that the old specimens were being disposed in the sample reception area, thereby resulting in the disposal of untested samples.
The laboratory further noted that while disciplinary action will be taken against the specific staff involved, they have also implemented measures to improve sample handling and to ensure that such lapses do not recur. Accordingly, the containers carrying new samples will be given a different colour code from that of the containers carrying the samples which have already being tested. The laboratory has also implemented an additional verification step according to which, the samples which are to be disposed of will be verified by two separate individuals.
Edited by Michelle Alles
