• 03
  • November
    2011

The recall of 300 million non-sterile alcohol prep swabs and pads earlier in October, combined with the sterile alcohol prep pads and swabs earlier this year, has prompted serious concern over all prep products. With both sterile and non-sterile pads and swabs included in the massive recalls, medical professionals are questioning the use of prep products all together.

The pads and swabs were recalled because they were found to contain Bacillus cereus, which can cause life-threatening symptoms in patients. The recalled prep products are used before injections and surgeries in thousands of hospitals, nursing homes and private homes. Medical products that are recalled because they are dangerous or defective products pose serious risks for patients.

The Colorado infection control director who alerted the medical community to the issue of bacteria in sterile and non-sterile prep pads says it is time for all medical officials to reevaluate their use of the pads. Other medical professionals are waiting to change their policies until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finish evaluating the risks posed by the pads.

The recalled products in October were manufactured by Pacific Disposables International Inc., whereas the sterile alcohol pads recalled earlier in 2011 were manufactured by Triad Group and H&P Industries, Inc.

Source: MSNBC "New recall of alcohol wipes raises larger question: Dump non-sterile products?" JoNel Aleccia, 10/10/2011