The Department of Health (DH) today (May 16) reported an incident of unsent clinical specimens in its Tsuen Wan Maternal and Child Health Centre (TWMCHC).

     TWMCHC yesterday (May 15) noted that a batch of clinical specimens collected on May 12 from its clients attending the antenatal service, which should have been sent out for laboratory testing on the same day, were still kept in the centre.

     A total of 47 specimens (46 blood specimens and one vaginal swab) taken from 25 clients (22 pregnant women and three husbands of antenatal clients) were affected. Among them, 40 specimens were taken from 20 clients for routine initial antenatal assessment while the remaining specimens were taken for further investigations.

     As the clinical specimens are no longer suitable for laboratory analysis, TWMCHC has started to contact the affected clients to explain and apologise for the incident and to re-arrange for specimen collection.

     "We apologise for the incident and inconvenience caused to affected persons. Although the delay in testing for a few days to one week shall not cause negative effects to the pregnant women and their foetuses, TWMCHC will closely liaise with affected clients and provide necessary assistance as appropriate. Our investigations into the cause are under way and relevant procedures will also be reviewed for appropriate improvement measures," a spokesman for the DH said.

Ends/Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:45

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