Diagnostics

Laboratory Errors Result in TB Misdiagnosis for 11 People

Published in Medical Letter on the CDC and FDA, September 15th, 1997

Studies suggest that 1 to 4 percent of persons with a culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a false-positive culture due to laboratory error, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During 1996 in Wisconsin, there were five errors in four laboratories that led to 11 persons receiving a misdiagnosis of tuberculosis. Such errors can lead to unnecessary medical treatment and stress for patients, as well as wasted public health and hospital resources in the management of the patient and the investigation and screening of potential contacts, said the CDC (MMWR, August 29, 1997;46(34)).

False-positive...

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Source: Medical Letter on the CDC and FDA (1997-09-15)

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