Washington (H24N). Baxter Healthcare Corp., along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning laboratories and blood banks of a possible contamination risk associated with a filter used in the collection of white blood cells from donated blood.

The problems exist in the product, Sepacell Pre-storage Leukocyte Reduction set for Red Cells (product code 4C2300), according to a Baxter spokeswoman.

Neither Baxter nor the FDA has received reports of contaminations with bacteria. Baxter Spokeswoman Margaret Shubny said, "The company wanted to inform customers there was a chance."

"The recall was initiated after we received reports of leaks where the filter system attaches to the tubing on the set," Shubny said. "There is no risk to donors because of this recall; the product is used within the laboratory, after the blood is collected."

A contamination risk does exist if the system, which is supposed to be closed, is exposed to the air, allowing bacteria to form in collected specimens.

Shubny said no instances of contamination have been reported to Baxter.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Blood Services center was unaware of the recall, but when informed, expressed concern that it would reduce the nation’s already depleted blood supply as checks for contaminations were processed.

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