An investigation has begun after it emerged that almost 200 people in the Southern Trust may have been given an inaccurate Covid-19 test result.
The trust said it had identified an issue with test results from a batch of swabs taken between February 11 and 16, 2022.
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,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
The BBC said it understood that around eight patients were nursed on a Covid ward in Craigavon when they had tested negative for the virus, but the Trust has not commented on this claim.
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