Missing SA Pathology Covid test swabs found after they get lost during transport from Mt Gambier to Adelaide

SA Pathology says it has found a container filled with about Covid tests that went missing on its way to Adelaide from Mt Gambier in a bungle that has left isolating locals frustrated.

A container filled with Covid-19 test swabs and blood samples has been located after it went missing while being transported from Mt Gambier to Adelaide.

A statement from SA Pathology said: “We have located the container of specimens from Mount Gambier, which was being transported to Adelaide for processing, and the samples will be processed as a priority today (Tuesday).”

A spokeswoman said the error was due to a “delay with the external courier”.

“We expect the Covid sample results to be returned today (Tuesday),” she said.

Earlier, SA Pathology said it had been made aware that about 100 specimens went missing while being transported by air for processing to Adelaide.

The specimens were a combination of Covid tests and blood samples.

“We are taking every possible measure to locate the container so we can urgently process the missing samples,” an earlier statement said.

SA Pathology boss Dr Tom Dodd in front of the Victoria Park Covid testing clinic. Picture: Russell Millard

“If they can’t be located, SA Pathology will contact those impacted to arrange retesting as a priority.”

Meanwhile, four Clinpath Covid-19 test sites have closed today due to a shortage in resources.

Premier Steven Marshall said the missing swab issue was due to a tracking system failure.

“I think it was a simple logistical error,” Mr Marshall said.

Alecia Paltridge was tested on Thursday, December 30 in Mt Gambier after her partner tested positive to Covid.

She said after four days of silence she called Clinpath on Monday only to be told her results had been lost.

“I was angry,” Ms Paltridge said.

“I understand they get lost and that happens but it’s the not telling me that’s pissed me off.”

She was tested again on Monday “as a priority” but had not heard of her results at 1pm Tuesday.

She runs a chicken and chip shop in Millicent and said if she was positive her staff needed to be tested and her business would be forced to close.

“Is it all too late now? It’s been five days (since exposure).”

The error has prompted calls from locals to have Covid test results processed in the Mt Gambier laboratory.

“Mt Gambier is the second largest city in SA with a testing lab at the hospital, you would think they could do tests there instead of sending them to Adelaide,” one woman said.

One man said he called SA Pathology on Monday and was notified his test had gone missing.

“This is Steven Marshall’s fault as a failure to have a laboratory in Mt Gambier,” he said.

SA Pathology was contacted for further comment.