12 Nov 2009 6:08 a.m.
Local laboratory provider Labtests is facing even more criticism after failing to diagnose cancer in tissue taken from a patient with a history of malignant melanoma.
Tissue was removed from a suspicious lump in the 64 year-old's groin and sent to Labtests, who found no evidence of malignancy. Re-tests then found the melanoma had spread.
The case has been brought to light by GP Carmel Built, who is campaigning for Auckland's district health boards to give at least half of the region's community laboratory work back to Diagnostic Medlab.