The Metropolitan Police has escalated a growing medical scandal, confirming it is now conducting a criminal investigation into shocking allegations that blood samples were deliberately 'nuked' in a microwave at a Surrey hospital.
The probe centres around a laboratory at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, where a whistleblower claimed a staff member microwaved blood samples to speed up the drying process of diagnostic tests.
A Grave Risk to Patient Safety
This dangerous practice, if proven, could have catastrophically altered test results, potentially leading to thousands of misdiagnoses, incorrect treatments, or missed serious illnesses like cancer or sepsis. The trust itself has admitted the allegations are 'shocking'.
NHS England was alerted to the claims in late 2021, but the revelation that the police are now involved marks a significant and serious development. A dedicated investigative team is sifting through a huge volume of data, including laboratory records and internal reports.
Trust's Response and Ongoing Concerns
In a statement, the Royal Surrey NHS Trust reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation, stating it is taking the allegations 'extremely seriously' and is fully cooperating with the police. They have also encouraged any staff with concerns to come forward.
However, the case raises urgent questions about oversight and safety protocols within NHS pathology services. The fact that such a potentially vast and dangerous breach could allegedly occur undetected has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community.
The police investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. The focus remains on understanding the full extent of what happened and ensuring the integrity of patient care.
