By Q Radio News
The Southern Health Trust has begun an investigation after almost 200 people were possibly given an inaccurate Covid-19 test result.
A Trust spokesperson claims the issue may be linked to a bottle of solution used in a laboratory, which may have led to the distortion of a batch of swabs taken between February 11 and February 16.
A deep clean of the laboratory has been completed and retests will be offered to those affected.
Covid PCR tests: An investigation has begun after almost 200 people were possibly given an inaccurate Covid-19 test result.https://t.co/GHHmx6PCo9
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 25, 2022
The Trust Spokesperson said:
"The Southern Trust has identified an issue with coronavirus (COVID-19) test results with a batch of swabs taken between February 11 and 16.
"An investigation is currently underway.
"As a precautionary measure, all swabs taken between these dates are being reviewed.
"During this period 193 people may have been given an inaccurate test result due to an error within the laboratory.
"Early investigation has indicated the issue may be linked to one bottle of solution used in laboratory processes.
"The swabs in question are being re-processed and we are contacting those people affected.
"All will be offered a retest and we are managing each person's individual circumstances as required.
"A deep clean of the laboratory has been completed, and full review of laboratory processes is underway.
"The Trust apologises for any stress the incident has caused and continues to work closely with the Public Health Agency on this matter."
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