Errors in Germline Biomarker Testing Significant Consequences and Missed Opportunities for Cancer Control in Patients and Their Families
Suzanne M. Mahon, DNS, RN, AOCN, AGN-BC, FAAN, Laura A. McLaughlin, RN, PhD, Usa Khemthong, RN, PhD, and Constance Owen, RN, MSN
“The study aims to describe types of errors and associated consequences that occur when ordering and interpreting results of germline testing. The most common errors were misinterpretation of data, failure to take a full family history and review previous test results, not recognizing a syndrome, and selecting the wrong test or wrong laboratory for testing. Negative consequences included missed opportunities for prevention and detection for the patient and potentially other family members, one or more unnecessary risk-reducing surgeries in 10 patients, late detection of malignancy in 8 patients, and 7 patient deaths.”
DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000812




