The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-1476-2020·Announced 2020-03-18

Qiagen Rotor-Gene Q Software Recall for Incorrect Concentration Reporting

Qiagen is recalling Rotor-Gene Q instruments with software version 2.3.4 because a bug causes concentration results to be reported as logarithmic values, potentially leading to false negative test results.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II, and the source text explicitly states that the defect could lead to serious medical consequences such as the suspension or non-initiation of treatment, which aligns with the rubric criteria for Severe severity involving significant injury or risk of harm.

Plain-English summary

Qiagen Sciences LLC is recalling 11,418 Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR analyzers equipped with software version 2.3.4. The recall covers various instrument configurations, including 2Plex, 5Plex, 6Plex, and MDx models, as well as specific IVD kits used with the system. The affected instruments were distributed worldwide, including nationwide in the United States and in numerous other countries.

The recall is due to a software defect that occurs when completing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMs) export. In these instances, the generated .csv file reports the calculated concentration result value as a logarithmic value rather than the correct linear value. This error could lead to false negative results in PCR assays.

False negative results from these diagnostic tests could have serious medical consequences for patients, including the suspension or non-initiation of necessary medical treatment. Users of the affected software version should contact Qiagen Sciences LLC for instructions on how to resolve the issue.

The recalled product

Product
QIAGEN Rotor Gene Q Software version 2.3.4. Real-time PCR analyzer designed for rapid thermalcycling and real-time detection of PCR assays.
Affected units
11,418

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 1 state specifically: