PLUS Diagnostics Introduces Industry's First System to Eliminate Misidentification of Bone Marrow Samples

UNION, N.J., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, patients being tested for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood and bone marrow malignancies can be certain that their test results are their own and not those of another patient. PLUS Diagnostics, a leading anatomic pathology company, announced today that it has introduced the industry's first system to eliminate misidentification and matching errors of bone marrow biopsy samples.

The median rate for specimen misidentification among U.S. health care providers including physician offices is as high as 1.31 for every 1,000 specimens, according to a 2008 study conducted by the College of American Pathologists. The national press has highlighted several incidents in the past year in which patients have received incorrect cancer diagnoses and treatment, or lack of treatment, because their samples were mismatched with someone else's samples.

"The consequences of misidentifying or mismatching a bone marrow sample are irrevocable. Undergoing a bone marrow biopsy procedure is incredibly painful.

Receiving an incorrect diagnosis because that biopsy sample was mismatched is traumatic at best and can be deadly at worst," said Dave Pauluzzi, president and COO, PLUS Diagnostics. "By introducing this new system, PLUS has taken another step toward enhancing patient safety throughout the testing process, from drawing the sample in the physician's office to delivering it to the laboratory for testing, to ensure that doctors and their patients can have the highest levels of confidence in their results."

The new system, know error™, matches DNA from a buccal swab taken during the biopsy procedure with bone marrow or blood provided to PLUS Diagnostics for testing. The system is PLUS Diagnostics' latest innovation since it partnered with Water Street Healthcare Partners, a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on healthcare. Over the past two years, the company has invested in building bi-coastal laboratories and introducing new tests that diagnose a broad scope of cancers and diseases.

"Our focus is providing physicians and specialists with innovative services that meet their unique needs," said Pauluzzi. "We are constantly searching for and investing in the newest science and technologies that will support them with achieving the best possible outcomes for their patients."

About PLUS Diagnostics

PLUS Diagnostics is a leading national anatomic pathology company that provides a full range of multi-specialty services, including extensive diagnostic procedures and specialist consultations. Accredited by the College of American Pathologists, PLUS Diagnostics has long been recognized for exceptional service and quality. The company currently focuses on a broad base of specialty pathology services, including urology, gastroenterology and hematology/oncology. For more information, visit www.plusdx.com.

SOURCE PLUS Diagnostics