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HEPARIN SYRINGES
Heparin is a blood thinner (anticoagulant), commonly used in the treatment of deep vein thrombisis. It keeps
existing blood clots from getting bigger and prevents new clots from developing. It is also used by home patients to clear out catheters and intravenous lines.
In December 2007, the FDA announced they were investigating dozens of blood infections caused by the Serratio marcescens bacterium. The bacterium was traced to medical syringes containing heparin that were given to patients requiring home care for cancer and other treatments.
On January 25, 2008, the FDA announced a nationwide recall of all lots of heparin and saline pre-filled flush syringes manufactured by AM2 PAT, Inc., of Angier, N.C. Two lots have been found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens, a bacterium that can cause serious injury or death.
Syringes from the tainted batch have been traced to Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Texas, and at least 40 cases of blood infections have been reported.
Symptoms of the blood infection include fever and chills and vomiting. These symptoms are usually treatable with antibiotics; however, in cancer patients, this type of infection can be life-threatening.
HEPARIN NEWS
Family sues Tyco Healthcare after man dies when injected with contaminated heparin. (Apr-28-08) EARTH TIMES: HEPARIN SYRINGES
Angier company closed until further notice after FDA issues recall of Sierra syringes prefilled with Heparin or saline. (Feb-08-08) BIZJOURNALS: HEPARIN SYRINGES
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