In the summer of 2012, senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen hosted a special on CNN titled “25 Shocking Medical Mistakes”, which included such catastrophic events as medicine dosage errors, operating on the wrong body part and hospital-acquired infection. Number 8 on the list was biopsy misidentification. The segment profiled the story of Darrie Eason, a 35-year-old woman who was mistakenly diagnosed with breast cancer after a laboratory technician mislabeled her biopsy samples. As a result, Eason underwent a double mastectomy, only to find out several weeks later that she never had cancer. In addition, the woman whose biopsy samples were mixed up with Eason’s did indeed have cancer, and was not notified immediately.

Know Error will be exhibiting at the Association of Cancer Executives Annual Meeting taking place January 23-26 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX. The event brings together cancer executives from around the country for four days of educational sessions, introduction to new technologies and networking opportunities. Visit us at Booth 101 to learn how the know error^® system completes the diagnostic testing cycle for cancer, providing patients with a complete and accurate diagnosis.

Know Error recently issued a press release to announce the publication of two peer-reviewed studies from Washington University in St. Louis, MO that support the use of DNA testing on biopsy samples to prevent misdiagnoses.

In a recent Fox 59 News story, the know error^® system for breast biopsies was described as new technology to reduce medical errors in the diagnostic testing cycle for cancer. As acknowledged by Dr. Timothy Goedde, an Indianapolis-based breast surgeon featured in the segment, this process is extremely complex with multiple opportunities for medical errors. “Anybody that tells you that they don’t make mistakes would be wrong. This is a process in which multiple people handle the tissue and the paperwork and things can happen,” said Dr. Goedde. Such things could include undetected specimen transposition or contamination which could lead to a cancer diagnosis being assigned to the wrong patient. With these types of medical errors, the false-positive patient may be subject to unnecessary treatment, while the false-negative patient fails to receive the care she needs in a timely manner.

Know Error will be exhibiting at RSNA 2012, the 98th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Taking place November 25 through 30 at McCormick Place in Chicago, RSNA brings together nearly 60,000 attendees to witness the latest discoveries, techniques and innovations in the field of radiology. Visit Know Error at Booth 1202 in Hall D (Lakeside Center) to learn about the know error^® system for breast biopsies, an innovative approach to protecting patients from treatment errors stemming from misdiagnosis.

Know Error is participating in the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) workshop “Lead Your Breast Program to Excellence” on November 16 and 17, 2012 at the Renaissance Hotel in Chicago. This two-day program will cover a variety of topics relating to breast cancer care including how to develop a high-quality breast program and the various diagnostic, treatment and management quality metrics used. The know error^® system for breast biopsies is one way to achieve a higher standard of quality in the diagnostic testing cycle for breast cancer. Visit us at table #14 on the mezzanine level to learn more.

Know Error is set to exhibit at the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA) 2012 Annual Meeting held November 1st through 3rd at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. Representing 91% of the large urology group practices in the U. S., LUGPA was established to enhance communication between large groups, allowing for benchmarking of operations, promotion of quality clinical outcomes, development of new business opportunities, and enhanced advocacy in the legislative and regulatory arenas. As a tool for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety, the know error^® system for prostate biopsies is in line with LUGPA’s organizational objectives. Visit our booth at the Annual Meeting to learn more about incorporating the know error^® system into your standard process for collecting prostate biopsies.