The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0762-2013·Announced 2013-02-06

Roche COBAS TaqMan MTB Test Definition Files Recalled for False Negative Risk

Roche is recalling COBAS TaqMan MTB Test Definition Files due to an incorrect cutoff value that may cause false negative results for tuberculosis tests.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a diagnostic test where a software error could lead to false negative results for a serious infectious disease (tuberculosis). This fits the rubric for 'risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported' (Score 3), as the hazard is a potential diagnostic error rather than a reported injury or death.

Plain-English summary

Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. is recalling the COBAS TaqMan Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) Test Definition Files (TDF) version 3.0 for both CE-IVD and JPN-IVD tests. The recall involves 335 CE-IVD TDFs and 48 JPN-IVD TDFs. These files are used with AMPLILINK software version 3.3 series and COBAS TaqMan MTB Test Kits.

The recall is due to an incorrect Target Elbow Max cutoff value of 48 in the software files. This error creates the potential for false negative results to be generated for patient samples with Target Elbows in the range of 48 to 50. A false negative result could lead to a missed diagnosis of tuberculosis.

The affected products were distributed worldwide, including 22 EU countries and 41 other countries, as well as Japan, Portugal, and Mexico. Healthcare facilities and laboratories using these specific test definition files with the affected software and kits should stop using them and contact Roche for instructions on replacement or return.

The recalled product

Product
COBAS TaqMan Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) Test FOR IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC USE.

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (5)

  • Material Number: CE-IVD: 04803531190 Kit
  • 05574455190 TDF
  • JPN-IVD: 04653360190 Kit
  • 05574447190 TDF. Lot/Serial Number: CE-IVD: All Kits
  • JPN-IVD: All Kits.

Distribution

Distribution scope not specified by the agency.