Texans Urged To Heed Syringe Recall

Syringe Recall

Texas Department of State Health Services is urging Texans to heed a recent national recall of certain heparin flush syringes made by Sierra Pre-Filled Inc., a North Carolina company.

The recalled syringes contain "Heparin Lock Flush Solution USP" and lot number 070926H on the packaging and on a yellow label affixed to the barrel of each syringe.

People who have used the recalled syringes should contact their physicians for guidance.

Those who have unused syringes should not use them and should contact their physicians, pharmacies or other suppliers for instructions about what to do with them.

Heparin is an anticoagulant. The recalled syringes typically are used in hospitals and by outpatients to keep catheters open.

The recall was prompted by bacterial illnesses in Texas and other states since early November that were linked to use of the product. Laboratory tests detected Serratia marcescens, a bacterium, in the product.

The manufacturer is voluntarily recalling the product in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Physicians and others who have prescribed the recalled products are urged to contact their patients.