South Australian Pathology has written to local doctors to clarify some of its reporting of prostate cancer screening tests.
The service recently switched the kit it uses for the PSA tests, so used both the old and new versions in the screening process between March and November last year.
But it says the comments provided with the results only related to the older kits, and a comment in relation to the new kits may have recommended a different follow-up regime for some patients.
SA Pathology deputy director Janice Fletcher said results from different kits could vary slightly but any risk to patients was extremely low.
"Around one per cent of PSA test reports would have received a slightly different comment if based on the new kit result," she said.
"For example, the alternative comment may have recommended a different follow-up interval."
Dr Fletcher said it was most unlikely any GP would have significantly changed their advice to patients on the basis of the comment alone, with doctors taking a range of factors into account before determining the next course of action.
"However, to ensure clarity for them and their patients, we have written to them to advise them on the possible ambiguity," she said.
