Released on July 10, 2013
The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory (SDCL) and eHealth Saskatchewan are notifying physicians about lab test results that were not distributed electronically to their offices.
A computer issue resulted in reports for approximately 45,000 lab tests not being entered into the provincial electronic lab results system which is available to physicians through electronic medical records (EMRs). In most cases, the reports were provided to physician offices by fax or mail, which continue to be routine methods of sharing the information. However, approximately 120 physician offices did not receive some patient test results electronically.
The issue was discovered during a retrospective audit of 1.77 million patient samples tested at SDCL between August 2010 and May 2013; the audit was prompted by a data reporting problem that was addressed in April.
“Our first priority is providing high-quality laboratory services for patients and physicians," Executive Director of SDCL Patrick O'Byrne said. "We do not believe this issue affected patient care. SDCL and eHealth Saskatchewan have fixed the problem so that this will not happen again, and we apologize for any concern it has caused.”
SDCL is notifying all physicians whose patient records were involved and providing them with the test results electronically to ensure there is no impact on patient care. Physicians will follow up with patients if necessary.
Physicians can direct any questions to SDCL’s Customer Service Centre at
306-787-3131.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594