One of the most common medical errors that leads to a Indiana medical malpractice claim being filed is misdiagnosis by a doctor. Data from the National Center for Policy Analysis states as many as 20 percent of patients receive misdiagnoses when they are examined by doctors, and of those cases, roughly one-third result in patients being seriously injured or killed.
But now, technology is helping to prevent these errors. Researchers have identified a new testing method that uses a patient’s DNA to help ensure the patient’s condition is properly identified.
According to The Indianapolis Star, a local company—Strand Analytical Laboratories— is working to reduce medical errors by collecting DNA samples from patients undergoing biopsies to identify potential cases of prostate and breast cancer. Those samples are analyzed and used to match biopsies with patients by identifying certain markers in the DNA samples.
While errors can not be completely prevented by the test, the company and some doctors believe the test is effective in helping to reduce the number of misdiagnoses caused by mix ups of lab test results.
At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we recognize the physical and financial costs a preventable medical mistake can result in, and our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are hopeful to see more hospitals and physicians adopting policies that require tests like the ones Strand is currently conducting.