A consumer disputes redressal forum here has directed Dr. Lal Pathlabs to compensate a complainant by paying ₹55,000 after it was alleged that the lab gave erroneous blood test reports to the complainant resulting in “mental trauma”.
“…ignoring to confirm the correct date of USG report having an impact on the outcome of the trisomy test report is not only negligence but also reflects intention to ignore the same. In other words, such reckless processing of trisomy test by the opposite party deserves to be viewed seriously,” the consumer panel held while directing compensation to the complainant.
It was alleged that following an ultrasound test of the complainant, who was pregnant, reports provided by the lab had indicated that the child was “at a very high risk of carrying Down’s Syndrome.”
“Such news was a jolt and it shook the complainant and her family badly, especially when the complainant had conceived the first child after about 14 years of marriage. It was also stated that the complainant and his family are from a healthy background with no genetic defects and were traumatised by the report provided,” the consumer panel observed while noting the complainant.
However, it was further alleged that when the reports were provided for a second time, had contradictory results.
“…there is marked difference in reports as is between the life and death. It is also alleged that giving two reports in respect of one blood sample creates thought about the (lab’s) dubious conduct of having taken correct parameters and conducted the test correctly,” read the complaint in the order.
Directing the pathlab to pay the complainant a sum of ₹50,000 for harassment and mental agony, the consumer panel further awarded a sum of ₹5,000 towards litigation charges.
