Hospira recalls Lactated Ringer’s due to mold contamination

Submitted by GAtherton on 30 March 2015

Hospira, Inc., announced Wednesday it is initiating a voluntary recall of one lot of Lactated Ringer’s Irrigation, 3000mL (NDC 0409-7828-08, Lot 40-008-JT; Expiry 1APR2016) to the user level (both human and veterinary) due to a confirmed report of several dark, fibrous particulates floating within the solution of the primary container. The particulate was confirmed as a common non-toxic, non-invasive mold, Aspergillus kanagawaensis. To date, Hospira has not received notice of any adverse events associated with this issue for this lot.<

A loss of sterility is a primary concern when there is a presence of mold in a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution. If contaminated solution is used on a patient it may cause bacteremia, sepsis, septic shock and endocarditis, and death may result. Signs and symptoms may include redness, pain, swelling at the site, fever, shortness of breath, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Septicemia could lead to shock and multi-system organ failure, requiring critical medical intervention. The mold is considered allergenic and exposure to it may induce an allergic response or immune response to the particulate including anaphylaxis. Delayed therapy may occur if the particulate were to block the flow of the solution during irrigation. However, this delay is likely to be of short duration as the medication is administered by a healthcare provider and remediation is readily available.

Originally posted on outbreaknewstoday.com