DH reports incident of loss of clinical specimens
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     The Department of Health (DH) announced today (June 27) that clinical specimens of seven antenatal clients were found missing from Tin Shui Wai Maternal and Child Health Centre.

     Upon routine checking of laboratory results yesterday (June 26), staff of Tin Shui Wai Maternal and Child Health Centre discovered that the results of Group B Streptococcus screening taken on June 10 for seven pregnant women were not available. And the clinical specimens which consist of vaginal swabs and rectal swabs could not be located despite thorough site search.

     The DH had immediately contacted the affected clients to apologise. The staff had also conducted repeat testing for the clients and had further explained the incident to them in detail.

     The DH has reported the incident to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

     "We extend apologies to the clients affected for the inconvenience caused. The DH is very concerned about the incident and is conducting a thorough investigation with a view to avoiding recurrence of similar incidents. We have also stepped up efforts in reminding staff members of the necessary procedures to ensure the proper handling and management of clinical specimens," a DH spokesman said.

Ends/Saturday, June 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:45

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