Accidents Happen In Health Care

Did a DOT physical and UA today, the selected location was very busy, there were multiple David's there. About 5 of us.

The medical assistant called up "David" and one of the David's there dutifully went back and did his UA....to my name.

The medical person doing the test caught her mistake as I did. I asked her to provide documentation that the other David's sample was voided, especially concerning because this is colorado, home of the pot head, and he wasn't even required to take a UA.

I did the sample per process and have a unique sample ID that goes to my sample. The worker verified that she called the lab and instructed them to void and destroy the sample from the wrong David.

I messaged my new soon to be employer and informed him of the mixup, solution and that I had some concerns. I asked his opinion as to weather they felt it warranted retaking the test entirely or to assume that the lab will have the appropriate sample matched to my unique sample ID.

Your guys thoughts?

You should change your name to Mahershalalhashbaz. That would reduce the chances of such a mixup happening again.

Sounds like you took the reasonable steps to protect yourself. I wouldn’t worry about it. If it became an issue, you took preemptive action to fall back on.

That's very concerning indeed. I'd say as long as you have documentation that shows your name and the unique sample ID#, you should be good. They normally take two samples, one primary and one secondary. If the primary tests positive, they can test the secondary to make sure they didn't contaminate during the test. Hopefully they both have the same ID#.

It pays to be aware at all times in this industry. Good grief. Something this simple could end someone's career. I'm glad you're a sharp dude, Davy.