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Verify¿ Bowie-Dick Test Card, Model #S3098, Steris Biological Operations, 9325 Pinecone Drive, Me...

FDA Device Recall #Z-2417-2012 — Class II — July 3, 2012

Recall Summary

Recall Number Z-2417-2012
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated July 3, 2012
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Steris Corporation
Location Mentor, OH
Product Type Devices
Quantity 629 cards

Product Description

Verify¿ Bowie-Dick Test Card, Model #S3098, Steris Biological Operations, 9325 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 The Verify Bowie-Dick Test Card consists of a card printed on one side with bars of chemical indicator ink. On the opposite side of the card, space is provided for critical cycle information to be recorded. The card is laminated inside a thin clear plastic enclosure. The enclosure has two holes in it to allow air removal and steam penetration. The preassembled test is used to evaluate the effectiveness of air removal from the sterilizer chamber during prevacuum pulse steam sterilizer cycle. Following a prevacuum cycle, the chemical bars of the Bowie-Dick Test card uniformly darken indicating that residual air has been sufficiently removed to allow complete steam penetration into the test card. If air is trapped in the card during the exposure phase of the cycle, the color change of the bars will be incomplete or uneven. Thus the card can provide an immediate indication of inadequate removal of air during a cycle. The Bowie-Dick Type test is performed in an empty chamber each day the sterilizer is to be used, usually before the first sterilization cycle.

Reason for Recall

STERIS has learned that the Verify Bowie Dick Test Cards are not performing to product specifications. Specifically, test cards have resulted in false fail results when sterilizer performance is within acceptable ranges.

Distribution Pattern

Worldwide Distribution--USA (nationwide) including the states of AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK,OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV and WY. and the country of Canada.

Lot / Code Information

Model #S3098, Serial #"s: H20013, H20014, and H20016.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sterility recalls for medical devices vary in severity. If you have already had a procedure using a potentially non-sterile device, contact your healthcare provider immediately — you may need monitoring for signs of infection. Symptoms to watch for include fever, redness or swelling at the surgical site, unusual pain, or discharge. For devices that have not yet been used, they should be quarantined and returned to the manufacturer per the recall notice. Non-sterile implants can cause serious infections; early detection and treatment are critical.

Class I recalls indicate a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from the defect. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where serious consequences are remote. Class III recalls cover products not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, typically involving technical regulatory violations. The classification guides urgency — Class I recalls require immediate action, while Class III may simply involve returning a product or acknowledging a labeling change. Always read the specific recall notice for recommended patient actions.

Report problems with medical devices to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at FDA.gov/safety/medwatch. Healthcare facilities are required by law to report device-related serious injuries and deaths. Patients and consumers can also report voluntarily. Include the device name, manufacturer, model number, and a description of the problem and any patient outcome. Reports from patients and clinicians help the FDA identify emerging safety signals and may trigger investigations that lead to recalls of dangerous devices.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this device if you are affected by this recall. Contact your healthcare provider and the manufacturer immediately for guidance. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

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