Nationwide syringe alert issued

WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration issued a nationwide alert Monday against the use of all IV Flush brand preloaded syringes containing either heparin or sodium chloride because the products have not received proper clearance and may be contaminated.

There have been reports of infections that may have been caused by the heparin flushes, but the cases are still being investigated, according to the alert.

The syringes, distributed by Pinnacle Medical Supply of Rowlett, Texas, were recalled by the company because they lacked the FDA clearance.

The syringes were sold to distributors who then redistributed them to hospitals and other medical distributors.

The syringe label reads, in part, “IV Flush Dallas, TX.”

Consumers and institutions who have these syringes should return them to IV Flush or the original distributor.

Consumers with questions can contact Pinnacle at (972) 463-7389. The company is notifying distributors by phone and letter.

On the Net:

Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov