DMC lab error causes boy, 5, to test positive for cocaine

Detroit Medical Center officials on Friday said it has apologized to the family of a 5-year-old boy after a lab error caused the child to test positive for cocaine earlier this week, landing his mother in police custody.

The boy was taken to Children's Hospital by his mother at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday because he was "acting erratically."

The hospital evaluated the boy and administered a drug test, which was then tested in DMC labs, where officials say the error was made.

After receiving positive results, the hospital followed protocol by calling police and social services. The mother was briefly placed in police custody before the error was discovered, officials said.

After learning of the mistake, DMC issued apologies to the family. The boy was discharged in stable condition on Wednesday, officials said.

"Detroit Medical Center takes its responsibility to our pediatric patients and their families very seriously. Our lab team and our hospital leaders are deeply sorry for the unfortunate situation that occurred as a result of a testing error," said DMC spokeswoman Tonita Cheatham.

"We have communicated the error to authorities and have reached out to the family to express our sincere apologies and to confirm that our staff sought to act in what they believed to be the best interest of the child."

srahal@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @SarahRahal_