The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1869-2012·Announced 2012-07-04

Siemens B12 Reagent Cartridges Recalled for False Test Results

Siemens is recalling B12 Flex reagent cartridges because Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibodies can cause false high Vitamin B12 results.

What this means for you

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 risk-of-harm product (medical diagnostic device) where the hazard is a false test result that could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, but no specific injuries or illnesses are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. is recalling the Dimension Vista System B12 Flex Reagent Cartridge (K6442). The recall covers 59,735 units distributed worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and various countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The recall is due to a potential for false and significant elevations in reported Vitamin B12 concentrations. This issue occurs when Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibodies are present in some patients. The defect affects all lots of the B12 Flex reagent cartridges used with the Dimension Vista System.

Healthcare facilities and laboratories should stop using the affected reagent cartridges and contact Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics for instructions on return or replacement. Patients who have had Vitamin B12 tests using this system may need to consult their healthcare providers regarding the validity of their results.

The recalled product

Product
Siemens Dimension Vista(R) System B12 Flex(R) Reagent Cartridge (K6442) B12 Flex Reagent Cartridge used with the Dimension Vista System for the in vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative measurement of Vitamin B12 in human serum and plasma.
Affected units
59,735

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 (20)

  • B12 Flex(R) reagent cartridge (K6442) - IFBA Interference All lots -- 07304AA
  • Exp 5/28/08
  • 08021AB
  • Exp 1/20/09
  • 08042AC
  • Exp 2/10/09
  • 08071AA
  • Exp 3/11/09
  • 08114AC
  • Exp 4/23/09
  • 09019AC
  • Exp 1/19/10
  • 09019AB
  • 09040AA
  • Exp 2/10/10
  • 09068AA
  • Exp 3/9/10
  • 09085AB
  • Exp 3/26/10
  • 09110AE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.

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