Becton Dickinson Recalls Blood Collection Tubes

Becton Dickinson has recalled its BD Vacutainer Blood Collection Tubes with lavender, tan, pink and green rubber tube stoppers due to a chemical in the stopper that interferes with the accuracy of Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) testing methodology. ASV is the methodology used in Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare Testing Systems that have been associated with false results (see earlier story).

The tube stoppers contain a substance called thiuram that can sometimes release sulfur-containing gases, which may dissolve into the blood sample and bind the lead particles, an FDA recall notice says. “This chemical reaction makes it difficult for the Magellan lead tests to detect the correct amount of lead in the sample and may cause falsely lower test results,” it says. “Falsely lower test results may lead to improper patient management and treatment for lead exposure or poisoning. The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences.”