Ampath

Today, I went to Ampath in Raedene, Johannesburg for a specific type of blood test. Their system was down. The receptionist, who is a nurse, said she had to speak to someone to see if they had the necessary tubes (i.e. vials). She spoke to a person and was told that they had the necessary tubes. This is what she told me (and I saw her using a cell phone). I then specifically asked her if they do have the correct tubes. She confirmed that they did.

About approximately an hour after I had 2 tubes of blood taken, I was phoned by the Ampath laboratory and was told that the wrong tubes were used and that I must return to have the blood tests redone.

This is professional medical negligence.

The blood tests are very important. They are in respect of the BRCA 1 and 2 genes (in short, it determines whether I am a certain type of cancer carrier and can pass this on to my children. Thus, it is critical for my children.)

Ampath should not conduct themselves in the way that they have. It is unacceptable. I am considering reporting this incident to the HPCSA for investigation and sanction.