BD Vacutainer Tubes Recalled for False Carboxyhemoglobin Results
Becton Dickinson is recalling BD Vacutainer LH blood collection tubes because they can cause false elevation of carboxyhemoglobin results when used with the IL GEM 4000 instrument.
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 is classified as FDA Class II, and the hazard involves a risk of harm (inaccurate diagnostic results) without reported injuries or illnesses, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
Becton Dickinson & Company is recalling BD Vacutainer LH (Lithium Heparin) 68 I.U. Plus Blood Collection Tubes, Catalog Number 368884. The recall involves 1,436,228,004 units that were distributed worldwide, including nationwide in the United States.
The recall was initiated because false elevation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) results have been reported when venous blood gas samples collected with these tubes are analyzed using the IL GEM 4000 instrument. This issue may lead to inaccurate diagnostic readings for patients.
Healthcare facilities and laboratories should stop using the affected tubes for venous blood gas samples intended for analysis on the IL GEM 4000 instrument. Users should contact Becton Dickinson for further instructions on how to manage the affected inventory.
The recalled product
- Product
- BD Vacutainer LH (Lithium Heparin) 68 I.U. Plus Blood Collection Tubes, Catalog Number 368884
- Manufacturer
- Becton Dickinson & Company
- Affected units
- 1,436,228,004
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)
- UDI: (01)30382903659037
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Part of a larger recall action
This product is one of 15 recalled by Becton Dickinson & 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.
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