Recall StatusTerminated
Date Initiated2020-03-10
Date Terminated2022-10-31
Product Quantity3,656 units
Reason for Recall
Analyzer's barcode reader misinterprets the contents of barcode label used for entering patient ID or accession number. The issue is related to barcode types not using a check digit. This could result in patient mixup or loss of sample resulting in delayed medical treatment
Firm Action
On 3/10/2020, a "Urgent: medical Device Recall" letter was sent via email and FedEx to affected consignees. In addition to informing the consignee about the recall issue, the recall notification asked customers to take the following action:
Check if your institution is using barcode types without a check digit, including e.g. patient ID or accession number, to be read on the ABL800.
1. If you use barcode types without a check digit, Radiometer recommends to either:
- Enable the check digit on the barcode type currently used, or
- Change type of barcode to one that includes a check digit,
as this enables the barcode reader to validate the data read, and hence, to capture if the barcode has been misinterpreted and consequently to reject such data.
2. If you use barcode types with a check digit the barcode reader already validates the data read, and hence, captures if the barcode has been misinterpreted and consequently rejects such data. Hence, no action required.
3. If you do not use barcodes to be read by the ABL800, no action required.
4. Complete the Recall Response Form (last page of this letter) and submit to your Radiometer distributor.
5. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-736-0600 option 1, Monday Friday 9am EST to 7pm EST.
Solution provided by Radiometer
Radiometer has released software version V6.19, which we will install on your analyzer, disregarding which barcode type is used, or no barcodes are used at all.
The new software version scans the barcode three times (as opposed to once in previous versions). For barcode types without a check digit, this change may potentially reduce the risk of misinterpretation, if caused by the factors, which may add to the risk of misinterpretation, mentioned above.
Root Cause
Software design
Distribution Pattern
Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution in the states of AL, AR, AZ, BM, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY and countries of Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Austria, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Croatia, Russia, Norway.
Related FDA 510(k) Records
Devices referenced by this recall via K-numbers.
Official Source
View FDA Recall →Source: FDA Enforcement Report / Recall database. Always confirm against the official FDA record.