Suspension of GC Labs' Pathology Certification Following Specimen Mix-Up in Breast Cancer Surgery

GC Labs, a diagnostic testing provider, has had its pathology certification temporarily revoked for one month following a serious incident involving a specimen mix-up during breast cancer surgery. The Ministry of Health and Welfare made this decision after an inspection by the Korean Society of Pathologists revealed that GC Labs had misidentified and altered test results, leading to a woman undergoing unnecessary surgery. The patient initially received a breast cancer diagnosis during a routine check-up, prompting a partial mastectomy, only to later discover the tumor was benign. The error occurred when GC Labs incorrectly matched test results from different patients, providing false information to the clinic. Given the severity of the mistake and the potential harm to the patient, authorities suspended the certification, prohibiting GC Labs from conducting or billing for pathology tests during this period. The decision aims to enhance quality standards and prevent future errors, with plans to improve certification procedures and oversight. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous specimen handling protocols to safeguard public health, prompting initiatives for systemic ...