Theranos May Have Run Blood Tests Despite Quality Issues Eighty one patients in a six-month period received hematology results that were not adequately controlled for quality.

By Claire Groden

This story originally appeared on Fortune Magazine

Theranos | Facebook
Theranos founder and CEO, Elizabeth Holmes.

A federal inspection report may offer new evidence that Theranos ran blood tests despite questionable results.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) report, which the Wall Street Journal learned about despite not yet being released to the public, found that Theranos continued to run the tests on patients despite erratic quality control results. Eighty one patients in a six-month period received hematology results that were not adequately controlled for quality.

The unreleased report follows a letter that the CMS sent to Theranos in January. That letter was short on specific issues with the startup's methods, but it cited five major infractions that "pose immediate jeopardy to patient health and safety," according to the Journal.

The blood test that Theranos continued to perform despite quality issues measured the ability of blood to clot -- an important test that doctors use to adjust patients' dosages of blood thinners.

In a statement on the company's website, Theranos' newly hired California lab director Kingshuk Das said that the problems identified in the report are no longer present: "We have conducted assessments to identify any patients affected or having the potential to be affected by the issues identified by CMS, and we have no reason to believe that these issues have affected patients' health."

Theranos -- the Silicon Valley Unicorn that's been valued at around $9 billion -- has fallen under scrutiny after a Journal investigation in October found that the startup was using its own machines for only a small fraction of blood tests.

Fortune has reached out to Theranos for further comment and will update this story if the company responds.

Claire Groden

Reporter

Claire Groden is a reporter at Fortune.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Devices

This Mac and Microsoft Bundle Pays for Itself in Productivity

Give your productivity a much needed boost with this MacBook Pro outfitted with Microsoft Office for less than $450.