DHNS

Bangalore, Dec 6: With the second wave of the dreaded Influenza (A) H1N1 appearing imminent, laboratories are expected to be vigilant. 

 However, the neurovirology laboratory at Nimhans, which tests the throat swabs of suspected patients of the influenza, has apparently misplaced a patient’s swab samples.
 
The issue came to light on Saturday when Mahesh, husband of Sarala, whose swab samples were sent to the lab for examination on November 18, sought the report.

“My wife was suffering from pneumonia, and I wanted her to test for H1N1. As I insisted, a doctor at KR hospital in Hanumanthnagar collected the swab and asked me to hand it over to Nimhans lab. I did so, and when I went to collect the report on Saturday, a lab official told me that the sample had been lost. I was also asked to get another sample,” said Mahesh.

He was told that the report would be sent to the hospital. However, it was not sent. 

Dr Ravi, Head of the Department, Neurovirology, and in-charge of Nimhans lab, said: “The person (Mahesh) came at 5:30 in the evening, which was too late. Our staff had collected it. But the sample has been misplaced.”