The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-1666-2018·Announced 2018-05-16

Baxter Infusion Pump Recalled for Improper Testing Documentation

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is recalling 444 Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pumps because service technicians omitted required release tests, which could lead to serious adverse health consequences.

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 source text explicitly states that the defect may result in 'serious adverse health consequences,' which aligns with the Severe (Score 4) criteria for significant injury reports. Although the agency classification is Class II, the potential for serious harm elevates the severity above High.

Plain-English summary

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is voluntarily recalling 444 units of the Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pump with Master Drug Library (Version 6), part number 35700BAXRP. The recall affects pumps distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico, specifically those with serial numbers 792177, 795979, 802612, 805938, 807209, 813365, 813367, 871387, 922364, 935968, 962932, and 963087.

The recall was initiated because service technicians improperly documented final release testing. The documentation indicated that the full battery of tests was performed, but several critical tests were actually omitted. These omitted tests include air-in-line detection at flow rates of 400 ml/hr and 800 ml/hr, as well as verification of upstream occlusion detection at 800 ml/hr.

The Baxter Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pump is intended for the controlled administration of fluids, including pharmaceutical drugs, blood, and blood products, via intravenous, arterial, subcutaneous, intrathecal, epidural, or irrigation routes. The device is designed to reduce operator interaction through automated programming.

Improper detection of air-in-line or upstream occlusion may result in serious adverse health consequences. Consumers who possess these units should contact Baxter Healthcare Corporation for further instructions.

The recalled product

Product
Baxter Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pump with Master Drug Library (Version 6) 35700BAXRP Product Usage: The Baxter Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pump with master Drug Library is intended to be used for the controlled administration of fluids. These fluids may includes pharmaceutical dru
Affected units
444

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 1 state specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 5 recalled by Baxter Healthcare Corporation 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 5 products in this recall →

Same hazard · air in line detection failure

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