In a follow-up to a report concerning a health advisory issued in California over Serratia marcescens bloodstream infections potentially associated with BD PosiFlush™ Heparin Lock Flush and BD™ Pre-Filled Normal Saline Flush syringes, Nebraska health officials issued the following:
CDC, state and local health departments, and FDA are investigating an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infections. Molecular testing of clinical isolates from patients in 3 states (CO, TN, and OH) has resulted in an indistinguishable or closely related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, suggesting a possible shared exposure.
The infections are primarily among pediatric patients with central venous access. Common exposures identified include heparin and saline flushes, specifically, BD PosiFlush™ Heparin Lock Flush and BD™ Pre-Filled Normal Saline Flush syringes, all manufactured by BD.
No products have tested positive for S. marcescens to date. Product testing is ongoing; other products cannot be ruled out at this time.
Out of an abundance of caution, BD is voluntarily recalling certain lots of BD PosiFlush™ Heparin Lock Flush and BD™ Pre-Filled Normal Saline Flush syringes due to this potential contamination with S. marcescens.
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