Dozens of patients developed bloodstream infections due to bacterial contamination on Intravenous (I.V.) Flush Syringes that were recalled by Nurse Assist, BD Medical, and more.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting I.V. Flush Syringe induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had a bacterial infection with B. cepacia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
BD Medical Recalls IV Flush Syringes
In April 2018, BD Medical recalled some BD PosiFlush™ Heparin Lock Flush and BD™ Pre-Filled Normal Saline Flush syringes due to possible contamination with Serratia marcescens bacteria.
Specifically, the FDA and CDC identified a potential connection between reports of bloodstream infections in patients with S. marcescens across multiple states. The CDC found that the infected patients were treated with certain BD flush products.
|
Product Name |
Catalog (REF) Number |
|
BD PosiFlush Heparin Lock Flush Syringes |
306509, 306510, 306511, 306512, 306513, 306514, 306515, 306516, 306517, 306521, 306525, 306528, 306531 |
|
BD Pre-Filled Normal Saline Syringes |
306500, 306502, 306503, 306504, 306505, 306507, 306508, 306518 |
Nurse Assist IV Flush Syringes
Nurse Assist Inc., based in Haltom City, Texas, manufactures I.V. Flush Syringes. Each syringe contains a pre-filled amount of saline. They are used to clear out intravenous lines before and after a drip medication is connected to a patent.
What is the problem?
The syringes may be contaminated with B. cepacia, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause deadly bloodstream infections — especially in patients with weak immune systems.
How Many Cases Were Reported?
As of November 2016, five states have reported 150 infections with B. cepacia associated with Nurse Assist I.V. Flush Syringes: New Jersey (52), Pennsylvania (26), Delaware (4), Maryland (12), and New York (55). Six patients died, but they also had underlying illnesses and it is not clear what caused their death.
Syringes Test Positive for B. Cepacia
The problem was discovered after a cluster of B. cepacia infections occurred at one nursing home in Maryland. On September 30, New Jersey officials warned 43 care facilities not to use Nurse Assist I.V. Flush Syringes. Officials in Pennsylvania confirmed B. cepacia contamination in an unopened sample of the syringes.
Nurse Assist Recalls IV Flush Syringes
On October 4, 2016, Nurse Assist voluntarily recalled all unexpired lots of I.V. Flush Syringes that were sold between February 16, 2016 and September 30, 2016.
List of Recalled Products
| Product Code | Product Description | Lot Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1203 | IV Flush Syringe, 3ml fill | All unexpired lots |
| 1205 | IV Flush Syringe, 5ml fill | All unexpired lots |
| 1210 | IV Flush Syringe, 10ml fill | All unexpired lots |
| 1210-BP | IV Flush Syringe, 10ml fill | All unexpired lots |
What is B. Cepacia?
Burkholderia cepacia, also known as “B. cepacia complex,” is a group of bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. It naturally resists antibiotics, which is why it has up to a 42% mortality rate in some patient populations. However, healthy adults are rarely infected and not everyone has symptoms. Infections mostly occur in people with serious health problems like cystic fibrosis.
Do I have a Nurse Assist IV Flush Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting I.V. Flush Syringe induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had a bacterial infection with B. cepacia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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