The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1748-2016·Announced 2016-06-01

American Surgical Ultracot Sponges Recalled for Packaging Sterility Defect

American Surgical Company is recalling Ultracot sponges because defective packaging may compromise sterility. The recall covers products distributed in the US and 20 other countries.

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 3/5 (High).

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 where defective packaging compromises sterility, creating a risk of harm (infection) even though no specific injuries or illnesses are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

American Surgical Company is recalling 2 boxes of Ultracot 30 mm x 70 mm sponges (Ref Number: 23-10, Lot 2015/11 CG). The recall was initiated because the product packaging is defective, which may compromise the sterility of the sponges. These sponges are used for neurosurgical and nonneurosurgical purposes.

The affected products were distributed worldwide, including in the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Healthcare facilities and consumers should stop using the affected sponges and contact American Surgical Company for instructions on return or replacement.

The recalled product

Product
American Surgical Ultracot 30 mm x 70 mm Ref Number: 23-10 Product Usage: Neurosurgical and Nonneurosurgical Sponges
Affected units
2

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)

  • Lot numbers: 2015/11 CG

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 91 recalled by American Surgical 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 91 products in this recall →

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