Austin-based medical testing company settles suit

An Irish woman who claims an Austin-based medical testing company provided her with erroneous test results has settled her case for almost $3 million, according to published reports.

The smear test in question was conducted by Clinical Pathology Laboratories in 2011, the Irish Times reports. In 2014, as part of an audit, it was reportedly determined that the woman, Vicky Phelan, had been given inaccurate results.

Phelan, 43, says she didn’t learn of the mistake until September, according to the newspaper, which reports she is now terminally ill.

As part of the settlement, Clinical Pathology Laboratories, which traces its Austin roots to 1948, did not admit any wrongdoing.

The company merged with Sydney, Australia-based Sonic Healthcare Ltd. in 2005. In 2017, Sonic Healthcare Ltd. had revenue of $3.6 billion.

In a written statement provided to the American-Statesman, Clinical Pathology Laboratories said:

“What has happened to Mrs. Phelan and her family is tragic, and we deeply regret the outcome. We hope this settlement will allow Mrs. Phelan to gain additional treatment and an improved prognosis and quality of life.

“The results of cervical cancer screens conducted by our lab and three others are well above the accepted accuracy rate for the type of screening specified by the Health Service Executive in Ireland and have been continuously monitored and repeatedly endorsed by Irish health authorities as well as U.S. laboratory accrediting agencies. Clinical Pathology Laboratories has a lengthy history of reading and evaluating Pap smears and performing other medical tests. We adhere to the highest clinical standards and are regularly