Failure to Follow Up Abnormal Test Results Claims

Has Your Doctor Failed to Follow Up Your Abnormal Test Results?

Being told that a test result was abnormal can be worrying enough. Finding out later that the result was not properly followed up can be even more difficult, particularly if you have since been diagnosed with a condition that could have been identified or treated sooner.

You may be asking why nobody contacted you, whether further tests should have been arranged or whether your treatment could have started earlier. When you put your trust in medical professionals, you should be able to expect important test results to be reviewed and acted upon appropriately.

If your GP, hospital or another healthcare professional failed to follow up your abnormal test results and this caused you avoidable harm, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.

At Macks Solicitors, we understand how upsetting it can be to discover that an opportunity to investigate your symptoms or treat your condition may have been missed. Our specialist medical negligence solicitors can listen to what happened, explain your options clearly and support you throughout the claims process.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Does It Mean To Fail To Follow Up Abnormal Test Results?

An abnormal test result doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a serious medical condition. However, depending on the result and your symptoms, further investigation or treatment may be necessary. A failure to follow up abnormal test results may include:

• Failing to review test results.
• Not contacting you about an abnormal result.
• Failing to arrange repeat tests.
• Not investigating an abnormal finding further.
• Failing to refer you to a specialist.
• Not arranging appropriate treatment.
• Failing to monitor an ongoing condition.
• Overlooking abnormal results within your medical records.

The type of test involved can vary. This may include blood tests, scans, X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or other investigations.

Not every failure to follow up a test result will amount to medical negligence. A claim may arise where the care you received fell below an appropriate standard and this caused you harm.

When Can Failing To Follow Up Test Results Be Medical Negligence?

Healthcare professionals should take appropriate action when test results indicate that further investigation, treatment or monitoring is necessary.

A failure to follow up abnormal results may amount to medical negligence where:

• The result showed a significant abnormality.
• Further investigation should reasonably have been arranged.
• You were not informed about the result or its significance.
• A referral or treatment was not arranged.
• The failure caused a delay in diagnosing or treating your condition.
• Your condition worsened because of the delay.

Our medical negligence solicitors can review your medical records and obtain independent medical evidence to assess whether the standard of care you received was appropriate.

What Can Happen If Abnormal Test Results Are Not Followed Up?

The consequences will depend on the type of test, the underlying condition and how long the delay lasted.

In some cases, failing to follow up an abnormal result can lead to:

• A delayed diagnosis.
• Delayed treatment.
• Symptoms becoming worse.
• A condition becoming more difficult to treat.
• The need for more invasive treatment.
• Avoidable pain and suffering.
• Long-term complications.

In some cases, prompt investigation could have resulted in an earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcome.

If you believe your abnormal test results were not properly followed up, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can help you understand your options. Call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Types of Test Results Can Be Missed or Overlooked?

A failure to follow up can occur with many different types of medical investigations. For example, concerns may arise where a healthcare professional fails to act on:

Blood Test Results

Abnormal blood tests can sometimes indicate an underlying condition requiring further investigation or treatment. If these results are overlooked, diagnosis may be delayed.

MRI Results

MRI scans can identify abnormalities affecting areas such as the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues. Failing to act on important findings may delay appropriate treatment.

CT Scan Results

CT scans can identify a range of serious conditions and injuries. If concerning findings are not followed up, a patient may not receive the treatment they need.

X-Ray Results

X-rays are commonly used to identify fractures and other abnormalities. If a fracture or other problem is missed, this can result in ongoing pain, complications or delayed treatment.

Can a GP Fail To Follow Up Abnormal Test Results?

Yes. GPs may be responsible for reviewing test results and deciding whether further action is required.

A failure may occur if a GP:

• Does not review an abnormal result.
• Fails to contact you.
• Does not arrange further tests.
• Fails to refer you to a specialist.
• Does not investigate ongoing symptoms despite abnormal results.

If your GP failed to follow up your results and you subsequently suffered harm, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.

Can a Hospital Fail To Follow Up Abnormal Test Results?

Yes. Hospitals and healthcare professionals working within them may also be responsible for reviewing and acting on test results.

This may include consultants, hospital doctors, emergency departments and specialist teams.

A failure to follow up may occur when an abnormal result is not communicated, further investigation is not arranged or treatment is unnecessarily delayed.

Who was responsible for your results will depend on the circumstances of your care and which healthcare professional or team requested and received the investigation.

What Should I Do If I Think My Test Results Were Ignored?

If you are concerned that abnormal test results were not followed up, you may wish to ask your GP or hospital what happened and request a copy of your medical records. Your medical records may help establish:

• When the test was carried out.
• What the results showed.
• Whether the results were reviewed.
• What action was recommended.
• Whether appropriate follow-up was arranged.

If you believe the failure to follow up your results caused you harm, our medical negligence solicitors can advise you about your options.

Can I Claim Compensation For Abnormal Test Results Not Being Followed Up?

You may be able to make a medical negligence claim if a healthcare professional failed to follow up abnormal test results and this caused you avoidable injury or harm. Compensation may cover losses such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Care and assistance
• Future financial losses

The amount of compensation will depend on the nature and severity of the harm you have suffered and its impact on your life.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim?

In most cases, you have three years to begin a medical negligence claim.

This will usually run from the date the negligence occurred or from the date you became aware that your injury may have been caused by medical negligence.

There are exceptions to the usual time limits, including claims involving children and people who lack mental capacity.

Why Choose Macks Solicitors?

Discovering that an abnormal test result may have been overlooked can leave you feeling frustrated, worried and let down by the healthcare professionals you trusted.

At Macks Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence solicitors understand how difficult it can be to find out that your condition may have been identified or treated sooner.

We will take the time to understand what happened, review the circumstances of your case and explain your options clearly. If you have grounds for a claim, we can support you throughout the legal process.

Contact us

If you believe your abnormal test results were not followed up appropriately, you do not have to work out what happened on your own.

For more information about making a medical negligence claim, you can call us on 01642 843 671; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.