Tainted Sierra Pre-Filled Syringes Sicken Dozens
December 26th, 2007 amy
Per a recent New York Times article, 40 Illinois and Texas residents have been gotten blood infections from contaminated medical syringes. Doctors at Rush traced the infections this month to heparin-filled syringes that the patients used in home treatment for cancer and other ailments. The infections were caused by bacteria found in a single batch of the syringes, made by Sierra Pre-Filled in Angier, N.C.
Per a recent FDA Medwatch announcement AM2 PAT, Inc., and FDA have informed healthcare professionals and consumers of a nationwide recall of one lot of Pre-Filled Heparin Lock Flush Solution (5 ml in 12 mL Syringes), Lot # 070926H. The heparin IV flush syringes have been found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens, which have resulted in patient infections. This type of bacterial infection could present a serious adverse health consequence that could lead to life-threatening injuries and/or death. Consumers and user facilities should stop using the product immediately, quarantine the affected product, and return it to the distributor immediately.
