Fingerstick Devices Could Pose Health Risk

The FDA and CDC recently released information regarding fingerstick devices used by health professionals to get small blood specimens. They’re used primarily to test for hemoglobin, blood glucose and other blood components. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the FDA and CDC noticed an increase in the number of bloodborne infection transmissions. These infections, specifically hepatitis B, were caused by point of care (POC) and fingerstick blood testing devices.

The FDA and CDC have warned the health care industry about this threat. POC and fingerstick blood testing devices should not be used on more than one patient for multiple reasons, including the risk of improper use leading to contaminating the lancet blade. Even if the devices are thoroughly cleaned, it is very hard to remove all the blood. Blood left on the device can lead to bloodborne pathogen transmission between patients.

Healthcare professionals are advised to not use fingerstick or POC devices on more than one patient. In some cases, it is not possible to use a POC on only one patient. In which case, the device should be thoroughly cleaned according to the labeling. Healthcare professions and patients are asked to report side effects or adverse results caused by these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Sharp LCD TV Recall

Although there has not been a reported injury, Sharp Electronics Corporation is voluntarily recalling their 32 inch LCD TVs. The TV’s stand’s neck can break, which would cause the TV to fall over and possibly injure the consumer.

The TV was sold by a variety of major retailers for around $550 between March and August 2010. The Sharp 32 inch LCD TV’s model number is LC-32SB28UT and can have any of following serial numbers printed on a back label: 0028 32837 through 0028 35190, 0048 57501 through 0048 59020, 0048 61401 through 0048 64020 or 0048 72001 through 0048 78800.

If you purchased a Sharp 32 inch LCD TV, immediately stop using it and contact Sharp for a free replacement piece.

Tygacil, an Intravenous Antibacterial, Poses Higher Mortality Risk

The FDA informed healthcare professionals that the intravenous antibacterial Tygacil (tigecycline) poses a higher mortality risk compared to other drugs used to treat serious infections in a similar manner.

The increased risk was found when clinical trials were analyzed. The exact cause of the deaths was often uncertain, though it was believed to be due to the severe infections worsening. The higher risk of death was most evident, but not limited to, patients treated for pneumonia acquired in the hospital. Other incidents of increased risk include patients treated for skin, diabetic foot and intra-abdominal infections.

Although Tygacil is approved by the FDA for treating community acquired pneumonia, skin structure and complicated skin infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections it is not FDA approved for treating diabetic foot infection or hospital-acquired pneumonia.

The FDA notified healthcare professionals of these high risks through a Dear Health Care Professional letter. They also updated the Adverse Reactions and Warnings and Precautions sections on the Tygacil label.

Slow Cookers, sold at Kohl’s Department Store, Recalled

Bella Kitchen’s 5 quart programmable slow cookers have been recalled. The slow cookers were sold exclusively at Kohl’s Department Store with the model number WJ-5000DE and either date code 0907 or 0909. The devices are black with “Bella Kitchen” on the control panel and the model number and date code on a label underneath the slow cooker.

The panel of the slow cooker can overheat and melt, which creates a risk of fire. There have been 60 reports of the device melting, smoking or sparking and three reported incidents of the device catching fire. To date, there has been damage to countertops but no reported injuries.

Kohl’s Department store sold the slow cookers, distributed by Sensio Inc, between July and December 2009 for $20 to $40. If you have this product, immediately unplug and stop using it. Contact Sensio for a refund.

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp Recalls 8,500 Lbs of Ground Beef

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp—located in Wyalusing, PA—is recalling 8,500 pounds of ground beef because of possible E. coli 026 contamination. As reported by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, this is a Class I recall with a high health risk.

The recalled product is a 42 pound case of “Ground Beef Fine 90/10,” use/freeze by date 7/1/10, establishment number EST 9400 and product code W69032. The beef was eventually repackaged and sold as smaller, consumer sized packages

The ground beef, produced on June 11, was initially distributed to Maryland and Connecticut but was distributed elsewhere since. E. Coli 026 related illnesses have been reported in Main and New York. FSIS has determined the recalled ground beef from Cargill Meat Solutions is directly related to these incidents.

The bacteria E. Coli can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

Iams, Eukanuba Pet Food Recall

Procter & Gamble is expanding a dog and cat food recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because there is the possibility of salmonella contamination. Though it should be emphasized that no salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

The following dry pet food products are included in the recall:

Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas

Eukanuba Naturally Wild

Eukanuba Pure

Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin

For a full list consult the Iams website. The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at the Iams site.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In consulation with the Food and Drug Administration, P&G decided to recall all foods made at that facility.

The company advises consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

Pets with salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Husqvarna Lawn Tractor Recall: Fire Danger

Husqvarna is recalling a series of riding lawn tractors sold this year after getting more than 50 complaints of damaged fuel lines, something that could cause a fire, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The CPSC said the fuel line to the rear-mounted fuel tank is too long and can get damaged by moving parts when the tractor is in use. Those who have the lawn tractors are urged to stop using them until a free repair can be arranged by Husqvarna.

No injuries have been cited in the 53 reports of fuel-line damage received by Husqvarna.

Husqvarna said it has sold about 1,700 of the gas-powered tractors, which are designed for residential use. The tractor being recalled is the GTH27V52LS with model numbers 96043009100 and 96043009900 and serial numbers 010810A00XXXX through 05061000XXXX.

For more information, please call 1877 MESSALAW.