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News Bulletins 2011 |
Many facilities have prevalent-patient AVF-in-place rates higher than the 66% Network goal, but AVF-in-use rates lower than the goal. Facilities that remain in this status for more than three months should contact the Network for help with their AVF maturation rates.
Many other facilities, whether they meet the 66% goal or not, have relatively small numbers of AVFs maturing. The ongoing Network average for maturing AVFs is 8-10% of patients. With patient turnover, facilities with fewer maturing AVFs than that cannot expect to maintain their AVF-in-use rates. The Network will be glad to help improve your AVF placement program.
And 28 Network facilities have Long-Term Catheter rates over 12%, more than 20% higher than the Network and CMS goal of fewer than 10% Long-Term Catheters. Because Catheters result in higher mortality, morbidity, and cost, the Network is always delighted to help reduce Catheter use.
We've added dialysis facility locations to the maps of dialysis patient density by county, and linked more directly to the tables of dialysis
patient population by county and zip, in the Emergency Managers section at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm#mgrs.
We'll be adding recordings of the December and January Webex sessions on "The Physical Structure of Dialysis Facilities," and on "Operation of
Dialysis Facilities: Responding in Emergencies Effectively," as soon as we work out a technical difficulty. The fourth Webex, on "The
ESRD Program, CMS Regulations, & Emergency Preparedness," will be held February 16.
A guide (for patients) to working with your local Vocational Rehabilitation office,
For links to the online versions of the newsletter and related materials, go to
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN.htm#ncn42.
There are earlier articles on Paying for Treatment and on
Network Consumer News.
Topic Index
Topic Index
Class I Recall of Roche ACCU-CHEK FlexLink Plus
Potassium Iodide Flyer Added to Network Website
We are faxing to Network facilities a flyer on “Potassium Iodide for Kidney Patients??” along with a more thorough essay on the same subject, with links to relevant CDC and FDA web pages. We’ve put links to electronic copies of both on our Emergency Preparedness page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm#ki.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
AAKP National Convention August 26-28 in Arkansas
The American Association of Kidney Patients will hold their National Convention in Little Rock, Arkansas August 26-28, 2011 on “Bridging the Future of Kidney Care.” For details
see http://www.aakp.org/events/convention/.
There are earlier articles on Patient Meetings.
Hands-On Practicum on Hemodialysis Access, St Louis, May 19-21
The Vascular Access Society of the Americas will present a Hands-On Practicum on Hemodialysis Access in St. Louis MO on May 19-21, 2011. The physician’s track will provide
opportunities to watch access surgery and interview surgeons and interventionalists, and review and use various access materials and machines for vessel mapping and measuring fistula
function. The nurse’s track will provide training and experience with various dialysis machines, cannulation including buttonhole, access evaluation, and review and use of various
access materials and equipment. For details, including faculty, schedule, conference objectives, hotel information, and registration, see
http://www.vasamd.org/mainmenumeetings/menuhandsonpracticum.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access and on
Professional Meetings.
UNOS Proposals for Public Comment Before June 10
UNOS has published thirteen new policy change proposals, and solicits public comment on them until June 10, 2011. You may review the proposals, and comment, at http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp.
There are earlier articles on Transplantation.
Free Safety Webex with Contact Hours May 5
We invite Network dialysis nurses and patient care technicians to attend a free online continuing education seminar ("WebEx") on "Safety in the Dialysis Unit," presented by Network
Quality Director Lynda Ball, MSN, RN, CNN, on May 5, 2011. The Webex has been submitted to ANNA for approval to award contact hours for nurses and PCTs. Don't
miss this opportunity to review common patient safety complaints and tools for creating a safer dialysis facility. For details and registration instructions, see
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/SafetyWex.pdf. Register by May 4th. For more information, contact Lisa Hall, MSSW, Network Patient Services Coordinator, at lhall@nw16.esrd.net.
Forms, handouts, etc. will be posted at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/staff.htm#ed as they become available.
There are earlier articles on Safety.
New Document on Self-Care for Caregivers
We’ve added a new document to the Network website, on Taking Care of Caregivers. It includes a list of warning signs, a quick self-assessment, and a long list of caregiver self-care tips. Find it under “Caregivers” on our Patient Educational Materials page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/PtEdMaterials.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Patient Education.
AVF and hgb QI Educational Presentations
We’ve replaced the educational presentations (online seminars or “Webexes”) on our QI page to correct a conversion problem that has prevented them
from working for the last few weeks. You’ll find them useful if you’re tardy on your Network Quality Improvement Project, or if you have your
own Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) project under way or planned on similar topics. The Webexes cover Creating
Secondary AV Fistulae from Grafts, Assessing AV Fistula Maturation, Reducing Long-Term Catheters, and Improving Sub-Optimal Hemoglobins. They
can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm#qip10. After you click on the links there, choose “Install Using Java,” and then wait a few minutes; there may be a pause before the presentation starts, where you can’t tell if anything is happening. If you’re reducing your facility’s Long-Term Catheter rate, you might also find the “MAC Toolkit” on Catheter Reduction useful; find it at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm#mac. Forty Network facilities still have Long-Term Catheter rates higher than the CMS and Network goal of 10% or less.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access, on
Quality Improvement, and on
Anemia.
Patient Conference Call on Coordination of Care March 29
Dialysis Patient Citizens will host an educational conference call for patients March 29, 2011 on Better Coordinated Care for Individuals with
Chronic Disease. RSVP is necessary by Friday March 25. Attendance is restricted to patients and family because of limited capacity.
For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/DPC311.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Patient Meetings and on
Patient Education.
New Dialysis Facility Surveys FAQ List from CMS
CMS has released an update to their extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to Dialysis Facility
Surveys under the new Conditions for Coverage. We’ve added the complete list to the Network website at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/FAQ0311.pdf, and linked to it from the Surveys section
of our Conditions page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm#sur. New entries
are in red.
There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on
Survey & Certification.
Network 16 Board Nominations Due 4/1/11
Just a reminder that Northwest Renal Network is now seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. Terms are for two years beginning July 1,
2011, and any professional or administrative member of a Medicare-certified ESRD facility in the Network is qualified to be elected to the Board of
Directors. The Network strives for Board member representation across geographic areas, treatment modality types and provider organizations.
If you are interested in receiving more information or a nomination form, please contact Chad Lennox at
clennox@nw16.esrd.net or 206.923.0714. Nominations are due by April 1, 2011.
There are earlier articles on Network Administration.
Urgent Recall of Triad Povidone Iodine Prep Pads
The FDA has announced that the manufacturer has issued an urgent recall of all lots of Povidine Iodine Prep Pads because of
potential microbial contamination. The Pads were made by H&P Industries, and may be branded Triad, Triad Plus (or Triad+), Amerinet, Cardinal Health, Medical Specialties, North Safety, Novation, Total Resources, Versapro, or VHA. They suffer from the same potential contamination as
the previously recalled Triad Alcohol Prep Pads (see
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins11A.htm#3ad2o), and could lead to life-threatening infections. For details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm247658.htm and
http://www.triad-group.net/media/pdf/PVP_Prep_Recall_Ltr.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Triad Recalls.
Network Newsletter for Providers
We’ve faxed to Network 16 facilities our latest “16 Network News,” our newsletter for dialysis facilities and transplant centers. The one-page newsletter includes articles on CROWNWeb, Network Board of Directors Nominations, Network AVF Rates, and Dialysis Facility Compare, as well as thumbnails on DFRs and “Hot Dates.” Find an electronic copy at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NetNews0311.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Network News.
December 2010 Vascular Access Rates
Congratulations and Thanks to all Network facilities that have worked so hard over the last several years to meet the Network and CMS goal of 66% AVF in use! The December 2010 Network AVF-in-use rate was 66.3%, and the January 2011 rate 66.5%! We’ve updated all of the progress graphs and tables at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress including: Comparative rates by region and facility for AVF in use and AVF in place in prevalent patients on December 31, 2010, Comparative rates by region and facility for Long-Term Catheters in use in prevalent patients on December 31, 2010, Comparative rates by region and facility for AVF in place in incident patients for January-December 2010, Various time series of Network access rate progress by state, and Comparisons to other Networks. Several things stand out.
There are 18 Network facilities that meet the 60% goal for incident-patient AVF-in-place rate, proving that it can be done. Other Network facilities score as low as zero on this measure.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
Facility Survey MAT Updates
We’ve posted a new version (1.7) of the Dialysis Facility Survey Measures Assessment Tool (MAT) on the Network website at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm#sur. The MAT is a concise two-page list of both individual targets for patients and aggregate targets for facility use in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) under the CMS Conditions for Coverage.
There are earlier articles on Survey & Certification and on
Conditions for Coverage.
Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey for 2011
The 2011 Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey was sent in December to a random sample of Medicare providers and suppliers. The survey offers Medicare providers an opportunity to give CMS feedback on their interactions with Medicare FFS contractors related to seven key business functions: Provider Inquiries, Provider Outreach & Education, Claims Processing, Appeals, Provider Enrollment, Medical Review, and Provider Audit & Reimbursement. If your facility was selected, CMS encourages you to complete the 20-minute survey, on the Internet via a secure website if possible. Details can be found at
http://www.cms.gov/OpenDoorForums/15_ODF_ESRD.asp.
There are earlier articles on Reimbursement.
PPI Use Long-Term Associated with Low Magnesium Levels
Network 16 Accepting Board Nominations
Northwest Renal Network is pleased to announce we are now seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. Terms are for two years beginning July 1, 2011, and any professional or administrative member of a Medicare-certified ESRD facility in the Network is qualified to be elected to the Board of Directors. The Network strives for Board member representation across geographic areas, treatment modality types and provider organizations. If you are interested in receiving more information or a nomination form, please contact Chad Lennox at clennox@nw16.esrd.net or 206.923.0714. Nominations are due by April 1, 2011.
There are earlier articles on Network Administration.
ACCU-CHEK FlexLink Plus Insulin Infusion Sets Recall
The FDA has announced a recall of Roche Insulin Delivery Systems' ACCU-CHEK FlexLink Plus Infusion Sets because insulin may be under delivered if a kink of bend in the cannula is undetected. Consequences can include serious injury or death. For details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm244487.htm.
There are earlier articles on Infusion Devices and on
Insulin-Related Recalls.
CROWNWeb Phase II Expansion and New Phase III Schedule Announced
On February 24, 2011, CMS announced a CROWNWeb Phase II Expansion that will expand the existing body of participants beginning in April 2011. (This date assumes there will be no federal shutdown due to failure of congressional budget negotiations). CROWNWeb Phase II Expansion users will work in the existing CROWNWeb 1.2 system to submit their patient and facility data directly to CMS. Additionally, system access will be established and/or maintained via the existing QualityNet Identity Provisioning System (QIPS). Currently participation in the Phase II Expansion for Network 16 is open to Phase II facilities and those facilities already selected to participate in Phase III. If these facilities choose to opt-out of participation at this time, we may be able to accept more volunteers. If you are not a Phase II or Phase III facility and may be interested in participating, please contact the Northwest Renal Network for more details. The dates for the Phase III CROWN release and National implementation have been adjusted to November 2011 and February 2012 respectively. CMS made these scheduling adjustments in order to address security and interoperability issues and in response to input from stakeholders.
There are earlier articles on CROWNWeb.
Triad Alcohol Products Embedded in Other Products
It has come to the Network’s attention that Triad Alcohol Prep Pads, Swabs, or Swabsticks, which have been recalled due to microbial contamination (see
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins11A.htm#alc1a), are embedded in many other products and
packages, including PD kits. The FDA is continuing to update their web page at
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm239319.htm as additional products are brought to their attention. Further
information can also be found on the FDA recall page for Triad Sterile Lubricating Jelly,
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecalls/ucm243399.htm, including a link to a news release from the FDA advising on the Safe Use of
Non-Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads, at
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm241750.htm.
There are earlier articles on the Triad Recalls.
Quality Conference March 16, 2011
The Forum of ESRD Networks, in collaboration with other dialysis community stakeholders, is hosting a conference on March 16, 2011 titled “Creating a Culture of Quality; Developing the
Infrastructure to Meet Quality Improvement Requirements in Renal Care.” The conference will be held in Linthicum, Maryland, in the BWI airport area. This will be a
multidisciplinary conference, with a diverse and experienced panel of speakers and moderators that include ESRD Network Quality personnel, representatives from large and small
dialysis organizations, physicians from Network Medical Review Boards, and CMS personnel. The broad issues will include how to identify facilities that are not performing well
and/or are at risk for poor clinical performance, what the common root causes for underperformance are and how identify them, what kinds of collaborative steps may be considered to
improve outcomes, and very importantly, how to sustain change and deal with facilities that just don’t “get it.” There are still openings for more attendees, and we encourage you
to send participants from your facility or organization. Facility administrators, nurse coordinators, and quality managers can benefit, and will find this conference stimulating,
interesting, and useful. For more information visit http://esrdnetworks.org/quality-conference-march-2011.
There are earlier articles on Quality Improvement and on
Conditions for Coverage.
Webex Recordings for Emergency Managers Now Available
Recordings of all four Webex sessions for Emergency Managers, on ”Basics of ESRD and Dialysis Treatment,” "The Physical Structure of Dialysis Facilities," "Operation of Dialysis Facilities:
Responding in Emergencies Effectively," and "The ESRD Program, CMS Regulations, & Emergency Preparedness," have been placed on the Network website, at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm#mgrs.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
Jantoven Warfarin Sodium Tablets USP 3mg
The FDA has announced a recall of one lot, lot #284081, of Jantoven® Warfarin Sodium Tablets USP 3mg because of mislabeled dosage. For full details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm243850.htm.
There are earlier articles on Anticoagulant Warnings.
Merit Prelude Short Sheath Catheter Introducer Class I Recall
Avandia (rosiglitazone) Label Changes
AAKP HealthLine Call on Bundled Payments
December 2010 Modality Reports
The December 2010 Network Modality Reports are now available, at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode1210/modality.htm. Year-over-year growth
in the Network dialysis population was 6.6%, ranging from 12% in Alaska to 9% in Oregon, 8% in Idaho, 5% in Washington, and 1% in Montana.
There are earlier articles on Patient Census (Modality Reports).
Free NKF Kidney Health Screening in Portland March 19
The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) will host a free kidney health screening in Portland, OR on March 19, 2011. You can find a postable
flyer at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/KEEPFlyer2011.pdf. To register, call 1-888-427-5653.
Find more information about KEEP at http://www.kidney.org/news/keep/index.cfm.
There are earlier articles on Patient Education.
New MEI Booklet on KDQOL–36
Abbott Glucose Test Strips Class I Recall
The FDA has raised the December recall
of 359 lots of Abbott Glucose Test Strips to Class I, implying a risk of serious injury or death. The recall covers Precision Xceed Pro,
Precision Xtra, Medisense Optium, Optium, OptiumEZ and ReliOn Ultima test strips. The blood glucose monitors are okay; only the test
strips are being recalled. For full details, including lot numbers, see
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecalls/ucm243421.htm.
There are earlier articles on Insulin-Related Recalls.
Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit Update
The CMS Conditions for Coverage for ESRD Facilities require facilities to assist patients with an individualized vocational rehabilitation (VR) plan. In support of this endeavor,
and to aid you in your quality improvement efforts, we’ve updated our Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit, which provides recommended practices, tools and resources. We’ve
mailed copies to facility Social Workers, and placed an electronic copy on our website, at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/SW/VR/VocToolkit.pdf. We want to support your efforts in regards to vocational rehabilitation and to help address any barriers.
If you have any suggestions or comments, or would like technical assistance on this matter, please contact the Network.
There are earlier articles on Vocational Rehabilitation.
Protective Catheter Coverings and Bundled Payment
CMS has clarified that protective catheter coverings are included under the ESRD Composite Payment Rate, and are not separately billable. See
http://www.medicarefind.com/searchdetails/Transmittals/Attachments/R136BP.pdf
for the full text of the announcement.
There are earlier articles on Reimbursement.
NW Renal Dietitians Annual Meeting March 3-4 in Portland
The Northwest Renal Dietitians will hold their Annual Meeting in Portland OR on March 3-4, 2011. You can find the program, faculty, and other details at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NWRDFlyer.pdf, and a registration form at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NWRDReg.pdf. Registration deadline is February 15.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
Vascular Access Society 2011 Congress in May in Istanbul
The 7th Congress of the Vascular Access Society will be held May 5-7, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. See
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/VAS2011Booklet.pdf for conference schedule, faculty, and other details,
http://www.vas2011.org/ for information about the venue, and
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/VAS2011Istanbul.pdf for a postable flyer.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access and on
Professional Meetings.
B.Braun Outlook 400ES Safety Infusion System Class I Recall
The FDA has announced a Class I recall of B.Braun's Outlook 400ES Safety Infusion System Model Number 621-400ES
because the device may become unresponsive. For details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm241637.htm.
There are earlier articles on Infusion Devices.
Emergency Preparedness Web Page Updates
We've made several additions and updates to our Emergency Preparedness page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm.
We’ve added links to Emergency renal diets, for adult diabetic and adult non-diabetic patients, to the Patients section at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm#pat.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness and on
Diet and Nutrition.
NN&I Webinar on Electronic Health Records
Nephrology News & Issues and NephrOnline are sponsoring a webinar on The Role of Electronic Health Records in the Dialysis Environment, to be held February 16, 2011. CEs will be
offered for Nurses and Patient Care Technicians. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/EHRWebinarFlyer.pdf or
http://www.nephronline.com for details.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
Involuntary Discharge Notification Requirements
The Conditions for Coverage require all facilities to notify both the Network and your State Survey Agency, within specified time parameters, of
all involuntary discharges and transfers. We would like to remind facilities of the document "Notifying the Network of Involuntary Discharges
and Involuntary Transfers," available at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/Involuntary.pdf. This document was created to
assist dialysis facilities in complying with the requirements of the CfC and Survey Interpretative Guidelines, and to help facilities understand
what the Network will be requesting in order for it to fulfill Network goals and the terms of its current CMS Contract.
There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage, on
Regulations and Standards, and on
Conflict Resolution.
New Resource for CROWNWeb Registration
We’ve added a document to the Network website, on Common Terms and Additional Instructions for registering with QIPS (QualityNet Identity Provisioning System), to enable you to use
CROWNWeb. We’ve also reorganized the Information Management page on the Network website,
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/IM/IM.htm, to make the registration form easier to find. Each Northwest Renal Network (Network 16) facility must have at least one
QIPS Security Administrator. If you aren’t sure whether your facility has one yet, please contact the Network
(http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/contact.htm).
There are earlier articles on CROWNWeb and on
Conditions for Coverage.
NKF Spring Clinical Meetings in Las Vegas in April
The 2011 NKF Spring Clinical Meetings will be held April 26-30, 2011 in Las Vegas. The conference features tracks for nurses and technicians, dietitians, social workers, physicians, and
advanced practitioners. Preliminary information is available at
http://www.kidney.org/news/meetings/clinical/index.cfm, including preliminary programs and pre-conference courses
for each track. There will be concurrent testing for CCHT, CDN, CNN, and CNN-NP certifications.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
Historical Modality Reports (Patient Census) Restored
We’ve restored our year-end Modality Reports, or Patient Census, back to 2000. Find the reports at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm. We’ll post the year-end 2010 Modality Reports in mid-February.
There are earlier articles on Patient Census (Modality Reports).
Public Comment Sought on UNOS Proposals
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) seeks public comment on seven new proposals. Details can be found at
http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp. Comments are requested by March 18, 2011.
There are earlier articles on Transplantation.
NKF Patient Education Symposium in Portland in March
The National Kidney Foundation’s Spring 2011 Patient & Care Partner Education Symposium is scheduled for March 20, 2011, in Portland OR. The topic is “Thriving with Kidney Disease:
Work, Travel & Happiness.” The event is free. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged: call 1-888-527-5653.
There are earlier articles on Patient Education and on
Patient Meetings.
New Executive Director at the Network
Northwest Renal Network has a new Executive Director, Chad Lennox. He was most recently Executive Director of Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), a national dialysis patient education and advocacy organization. During his time with DPC he worked closely with ESRD patients, patient organizations, dialysis providers, and the general ESRD community to help improve patients' quality of care and quality of life. He worked to develop online education tools for patients, to provide the patients' perspective on the ESRD Bundled payment system, and to lobby federal and state legislatures on issues important to patients. His time with DPC taught him to look at all sides of an issue and to work collaboratively to help patients.
He has large shoes to fill at the Network, but with your support and an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Medical Review Board, Patient Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors, the Network will continue its mission of promoting optimal dialysis and transplant care for kidney patients in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Please feel free to reach out to him
at the Network office.
New Patient Newsletter on Changes to Dialysis Payments
The January issue of our patient newsletter, Network Consumer News Volume 4 Issue 2, has been mailed to facilities for distribution to patients.
If you have not seen a copy, ask your dialysis facility for one, or contact the Network. The headline article in this issue discusses the New ESRD
payment "Bundle." Additionally, the following materials are included in the mailing:
A handout on The Importance of Washing Your Vascular Access,
A Disaster Word Search and solution,
A large print version of the newsletter for patients with limited vision, and
A form for patients to provide feedback to the Network.
Class I Recall of FMC CombiSet True Flow HD Blood Tubing Set
Alcohol Prep Pads, Swabs, and Swabsticks - Various Brands
The FDA has announced the recall of all lots of over-the-counter alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs, and alcohol swabsticks made by Triad Group and sold by (or under the brand names of) Cardinal Health, PSS Select, VersaPro, Boca/Ultilet, Moore Medical, Walgreens, CVS, and Conzelin. Potential contamination in these products could lead to life-threatening infections. For full details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm239319.htm.
Topic Index Page updated March 12, 2012