Not if they get told they are clear. Then their cancer gets worse and before anyone realises it’s untreatable. Downplaying faked test results is disturbing.

> People who get inaccurate diagnostics get scared.

That's only true if those people always follow up with a second test using traditional means. If they don't follow-up and instead immediately go past diagnostics into some sort of action, then it could be catastrophic in a manner exceeding being scared.

Now you can argue that if the patient is working with any medical practitioner worth their salt, that med will surely ask for a second test. But is it obvious that that will always be the case?

additionally, the "get scared" is only if the theranos test incorrectly gives a "something is wrong" diagnosis. What if the theranos test incorrectly gives an "everything is ok" diagnosis? Then the patient does not get scared when they should be, and potentially get significantly harmed

They get scared but if the doc believes the test results, they get more invasive (prostate biopsy, breast biopsy, etc) testing which is painful and traumatizing for the patients. They may not die but they don’t deserve this.

Sure hope nobody started emergency chemo based on a faulty test

Based on my anecdotal experience dealing with pervasive cancer in a family member. They almost always confirm stuff before throwing a ton of poison into you.

And what if you -do- have pervasive cancer, but a Theranos test told you you didn't? You go about your day, and the cancer continues to worsen, untreated (speaking of poison inside you).

it doesn't matter if they're an early stage company or not. also they were a fraud company.