Jamshedpur: A probe ordered by the health authorities in West Singhbhum into the alleged negligence in blood transfusion at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital has found that a private blood testing agency may have triggered panic by circulating incorrect information about the blood group mismatch, sources said on Saturday.Hospital sources said that an unauthorised sample of the patient’s blood was allegedly taken to a private laboratory for grouping tests. “Before the second unit was transfused, a blood grouping test was reportedly done at the private centre, and the misinformation originated from there,” a senior hospital official said on the condition of anonymity.The three-member inquiry committee has reportedly identified the private labe involved. The health department is likely to issue a notice to the laboratory soon, following which legal action may be considered.Refuting allegations of negligence, the official asserted that there was no incompatibility in the transfusion. “The patient was given AB-positive blood and is stable. If there had been a mismatch, his condition could have deteriorated within hours,” he said.Officials withheld the name of the private lab, stating that the probe is ongoing. “We are examining whether any hospital staff were involved and to what extent. Accountability will be fixed,” the official added.West Singhbhum civil surgeon Dr Jujhar Majhi said the inquiry panel is expected to submit its report on Monday. “Only after receiving the report, I can comment conclusively,” he said.The patient, 48-year-old Surendra Boypai from Khutpani block, was admitted on June 11 with severe anaemia ahead of a planned hip replacement surgery, which was deferred due to low haemoglobin levels. Doctors advised transfusion of six units of blood. After hospital tests identified his group as AB-positive, one unit was administered. The controversy arose on June 16 when a repeat test allegedly showed O-positive blood was transfused, prompting the probe.