Hospital Authority announces an incident of Laboratory Information System

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 6) announced an incident of incomplete display of Laboratory Information System.

     HA received notification from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) that its Pathology Department Laboratory Information System had produced incomplete information for a molecular genetic test report (EGFR). As a result, clinicians may not read the full details of the report.

     HA Information Technology and Health Informatics Department initiated investigation and rectified the concerned system accordingly. Preliminary findings suggest that a technical issue occurred during the installation of an application earlier. This had led to the incomplete display of information in certain fields within the system, while complete information was displayed in the Document Portable Format and printing the report.

     PMH has reviewed all 217 EGRF reports involving three hospitals, namely PMH, Kwong Wah Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as their molecular genetic tests are supported by the laboratory. Amongst all the reports, the treatment plan of one PMH oncology patient required adjustment. The concerned patient had already been arranged for chemotherapy. After reviewing the full EGFR report, targeted therapy was offered to the patient. PMH has already informed the patient about the incident and updated the treatment plan. It is anticipated that the treatment outcome is unaffected.

     HA apologised to the patient for the incident. The hospital will keep monitoring the patient’s condition and render necessary assistance. HA Information Technology and Health Informatics Department has checked the same system installed in other hospitals and no similar problems have been found.