Clarendon Couple Lose False-Positive HIV Test Lawsuit

A Clarendon woman and her common-law partner have lost their lawsuit against Spaldings Diagnostix Medical Laboratory over a false-positive HIV test result, which they claimed caused significant psychological harm and emotional distress.

Indiana Prendergast, who took the test in January 2010 as part of a life insurance application, said the preliminary result upended her life. She cited severe depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, anxiety, and a breakdown in her relationship with her partner, Omar Willis.

Willis also claimed psychological damage, including adjustment disorder, financial strain, and stigma.

The couple argued that the lab failed in its duty of care in handling the test, transmitting the results, and preserving confidentiality. However, as per a Gleaner report, Supreme Court Justice Chester Stamp ruled on June 3 that the laboratory followed standard procedures, acted within medical norms, and did not breach its duty of care.

Justice Stamp emphasized that a false-positive HIV result, while unfortunate, is a known risk in preliminary screening and does not automatically constitute negligence. “Any psychological distress suffered by the claimants cannot be attributed to any wrongful act or omission on the part of the defendant,” he wrote.

Although the lab contacted Prendergast’s doctor shortly after the result, delays in communication — compounded by rumours in her community further intensified her distress. A later test in August 2010 confirmed she was HIV-negative.

Despite this, Prendergast said the emotional damage had already been done.

After more than 15 years since the initial test, the court has now ruled that the lab acted appropriately throughout the process.