The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-1141-2018·Announced 2018-03-28

BD Vacutainer Tubes Recalled for Lead Test Inaccuracy

Becton Dickinson is recalling specific Vacutainer tubes because they may cause underestimation of lead in blood samples when used with certain assays.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class I, which typically indicates a low probability of adverse health consequences, and the hazard is a diagnostic inaccuracy rather than a direct physical injury or contamination.

Plain-English summary

Becton Dickinson & Company is recalling BD Vacutainer EDTA Pink Top Tubes (Catalog Numbers 367842, 367899, 368049, and 368589). The recall involves 64,784,900 units distributed in 46 states and Puerto Rico.

The recall is issued because these tubes can cause an underestimation of lead in blood samples when used with Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare assays employing Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) methodology, or any other assay using ASV methodology. This inaccuracy could lead to incorrect clinical results.

Healthcare providers and laboratories should stop using the affected tubes for lead testing with ASV-based assays. Users should contact Becton Dickinson for further instructions on handling or returning the product.

The recalled product

Product
BD Vacutainer¿ EDTA Pink Top Tube; Catalog Numbers: 1. 367842 (UDI: 50382903678421); 2. 367899 (UDI: 50382903678995); 3. 368049 (UDI: 50382903680493); 4. 368589 (UDI: 50382903685894)
Affected units
64,784,900

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 (4)

  • All lots. Catalog Number (Shelf Life): 1. 367842 (Requested)
  • 2. 367899 (Requested)
  • 3. 368049 (Requested)
  • 4. 368589 (Requested)

Distribution

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 4 recalled by Becton Dickinson & Company under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 4 products in this recall →