The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1137-2019·Announced 2019-04-24

bioMerieux Recalls Vitek 2 Test Kits Due to False ESBL Results

bioMerieux is recalling Vitek 2 test kits because they may incorrectly identify Escherichia coli as having an ESBL phenotype.

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 medical device that may provide incorrect diagnostic results (false ESBL phenotype), which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

bioMerieux, Inc. is recalling 10,784 cartons of Vitek 2 test kits, specifically the AST-N254, AST-N330, and AST-N371 cards. The VITEK 2 system is an automated device used for the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and yeast.

The recall was initiated because the test kits may propose an unexpected Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) phenotype for some Escherichia coli strains. This error could lead to incorrect identification of bacterial resistance patterns.

The affected products were distributed internationally to the United Kingdom, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and Scotland. Users should stop using the affected test kits and contact bioMerieux, Inc. for further instructions.

The recalled product

Product
Biomerieux Vitek 2 Test kit VITEK 2 is an automated system consisting of instruments, software and reagent cards designed for the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and yeast.
Manufacturer
bioMerieux, Inc.
Affected units
10,784

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 (1)

  • Ref: 413723 (AST-N254)

Distribution

Distribution scope not specified by the agency.