HHS Assists FDA with BD’s Bactec Shortage

HHS says it is working with FDA to help resolve an ongoing supply shortage of BD’s Bactec blood culture media bottles, which could impact clinical practices for healthcare providers and laboratories. “We recommend that health care providers, laboratory professionals, and health care facility administrators prioritize and conserve BD Bactec blood culture media bottles per FDA's published recommendations during this shortage,” an HHS notice says. “Additionally, we encourage those affected by this shortage, along with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments, to assess their situations and develop plans and options to mitigate the potential impact of the shortage on patient care.”

HHS says it and FDA are working with BD and other partners to quickly resolve the shortage, including expediting any necessary review (e.g., for shelf-life extension), meeting with alternative suppliers, and communicating best practices and conservation strategies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory.