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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) announced an incident on handling of blood specimens today (9 December):
221 blood specimens which were taken on 5 December at the Blood Taking Centre of Li Ka Shing Specialist Out-patient Clinic were found on the designated trolley for transporting specimens today (9 December); the specimens were not sent to the laboratory. The trolley was locked and kept in the Foreman Office during the weekend.
PWH verified and confirmed that no blood specimen was lost; all specimens were sealed when found and no specimen requires urgent handling.
PWH will follow up with the 99 patients (97 out-patients and 2 in-patients) in the next 24 hours to arrange blood-taking and ensure that the incident will not affect the treatment. The Hospital apologizes for the inconvenience caused and will investigate the incident and review the procedure; if human error is found involved, the Hospital will follow up with the staff according to the human resources procedure.
Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:38
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