Becton Dickinson Recalls BBL Port A Cul Tubes Due to Oxidation
Becton Dickinson is recalling BBL Port A Cul tubes because excessive oxidation may affect the viability of anaerobic microorganisms.
The agency’s classification
FDA (Devices): Class II
Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 2/5 (Moderate).
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 II. The hazard involves potential reduced viability of microorganisms due to oxidation, which is a functional defect rather than a direct physical injury or high-risk pathogen exposure, fitting the Moderate criteria for low-risk contamination or functional issues without reported illness.
Plain-English summary
Becton Dickinson & Co. is recalling BBL Port A Cul tubes, catalog number 221606. These are patient sample collection tubes containing a reduced transport medium intended to maintain the viability of anaerobic, facultative, and aerobic microorganisms during transport from the patient to the laboratory.
The recall is due to the possibility that the products may exhibit indications of excessive oxidation. This excessive oxidation may affect the viability of anaerobic microorganisms.
The affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States, including in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY. The total quantity involved is 145,860 tubes. Specific lot numbers and expiration dates are listed in the agency's recall record.
The recalled product
- Product
- BBL Port A Cul tubes, catalog number 221606. Patient sample collection tubes. BBL Port A Cul tubes, jars and vials contain a reduced transport medium and are intended to maintain the viability of anaerobic, facultative and aerobic microorganisms during transport from the…
- Manufacturer
- Becton Dickinson & Co.
- Affected units
- 145,860
Distribution
Part of a larger recall action
This product is one of 2 recalled by Becton Dickinson & Co. 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 2 products in this recall →Related recalls
Same manufacturer · Becton Dickinson & Co.
See all →- ModerateBD GasPak EZ Campy Pouch System Recall for Below-Specification Gas Production
FDA (Devices) · 2026-05-06
- ModerateBD GasPak EZ CO2 Pouch System gas generating sachets underperforming
FDA (Devices) · 2026-05-06
- ModerateLaboratory cuvette arrays recalled over barcodes the analyser cannot read
FDA (Devices) · 2025-11-19
- HighAutomated microbiology systems recalled after service credentials were accessed by unauthorized actor
FDA (Devices) · 2025-10-29
- HighBlood culture systems recalled after service credentials were accessed by unauthorized actor
FDA (Devices) · 2025-10-29
Same hazard · oxidation
See all →- HighIcosapent ethyl capsules recalled as subpotent after capsule contents leaked
FDA (Drugs) · 2026-01-28
- ModerateIcosapent Ethyl Capsules Recalled for Failed Tablet Specifications
FDA (Drugs) · 2025-06-18
- ModerateExactech Shoulder Implant Components Recalled for Nonconforming Oxygen Barrier Packaging
FDA (Devices) · 2024-04-10
- HighKnee Replacement Tibial Inserts Recalled Due to Material Oxidation Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2024-02-07
- HighKnee replacement implant insert recalled due to material degradation risk
FDA (Devices) · 2024-02-07
Similar recalls
- ModerateBecton Dickinson Recalls CDC Anaerobe 5% Sheep Blood Agar Due to Contamination
FDA (Devices) · 2013-05-22
- HighBecton Dickinson Recalls BD Microtainer Z Tubes Due to Damaged Reservoirs
FDA (Devices) · 2019-10-16
- ModerateBecton Dickinson Recalls BD Max Vaginal Panel Kits Due to Seal Defects
FDA (Devices) · 2019-08-28
- HighBD Microtainer Tubes Recalled Due to Reduced Anticoagulant Additive
FDA (Devices) · 2019-07-24
- ModerateBecton Dickinson Recalls BD MAX Reagent Extraction Tubes Due to Sealing Defect
FDA (Devices) · 2019-08-28
- ModerateBecton Dickinson Recalls BBL DrySlide Oxidase Kits Due to Packaging Error
FDA (Devices) · 2013-06-05