Improper lab procedures and results are medical malpractice
Every year, millions and millions of diagnostic procedures are conducted, processed, and analyzed in the U.S. Physicians rely on the results of diagnostic tests to correctly diagnose and treat illnesses, conditions, or diseases from something minor such as upper respiratory infections to major illnesses such as cancer.
The key to treating and/or curing many diseases, including many cancers, is early diagnosis which is often done through a variety of diagnostic tests, including blood work, biopsies, X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. Medical professionals have a duty to order as well as to properly administer, interpret, and report the results of these tests.
When errors are made in testing procedures, improper lab results may result in serious injury or even death to the patient in question. A lab mistake, such as an incorrect biopsy result, can lead to a misdiagnosis on the part of a physician, resulting in the wrong course of treatment or no treatment for the patient.
When a doctor, lab technician, nurse, or other medical professional does not provide the standard care of treatment for his or her patients as a result of a failure to act or due to error in a lab procedure or subsequent analysis of test results, a case of medical malpractice may exist if the patient has been harmed.
Delays and errors
The appropriate course of treatment for a disease, condition, or illness often depends upon accurate diagnostic tests and lab work. Failing to order the correct tests, errors that occur while conducting a test, or errors in the interpretation of results can have disastrous consequences for a patient and are considered to be negligence on the part of the medical professionals involved.
Other mistakes that can be made when conducting tests include:
- Delays in testing
- Identification errors
- Lost or mixed up specimens
- Patient information miscommunication
Improper lab results mean that a patient may think he or she has an illness or disease, but, in reality, does not, and may end up receiving unnecessary treatment. Conversely, a patient who is sick and is misdiagnosed will not get the necessary treatment and will end up getting more ill.
Compensation and results
Blood and urine tests, X-rays, CT and MRI scans are all used to detect a wide variety of cancers as well as other serious diseases, infections, and other health issues. Failure to order the correct diagnostic tests, errors in testing procedures, and improper lab results can result in a costly delay in treatment for a patient.
If you or a loved one feels that treatment for your medical condition was delayed, or if you were improperly diagnosed as a result of improper lab procedures or lab results, you need to contact a skilled medical malpractice attorney. At the Law Offices of Scott S. Harris, you’ll find the help you need to get compensation for medical malpractice from improper lab results.
For more than 30 years, Scott Harris has been helping clients in the San Diego area and throughout California obtain compensation for their injuries. Call our office to schedule your free consultation.