BD Intraosseous Needle Set Kits

2022: Becton Dickinson recalls tens of thousands of defective drug delivery devices and needles

In mid-August 2022, Becton Dickinson announced the recall of a number of products used to deliver fluids and medicines during resuscitation and rescue procedures due to problems that could lead to the death of patients. The company determined that insufficient polymerization of the adhesive was the cause of the problems.

The recall affects 11 sets of BD Intraosseous Needle Set Kits, sets of hand-held and powered drivers used for intraosseous delivery that allows doctors to access the vascular system through the bone marrow in some emergencies. Because patients who need intraosseous access are often in critical condition, Becton Dickinson warned that delays in care caused by problems with the device can lead to death.

Becton Dickinson tens of thousands of defective devices and drug delivery needles

The recall affects batches distributed since the end of January 2020. In these batches, the last of which were produced in July 2021, the devices could have one of three problems that could lead to limited or non-functioning intraosseous access, delaying emergency care. In some cases, it may be difficult for a health care professional to separate the stiletto from the intraosseous needle, resulting in the application of additional force that causes the entire needle assembly to be inadvertently removed during installation or the inability to remove the stiletto from the intraosseous needle. Both results can lead to functional loss of intraosseous access.

Becton Dickinson received 37 complaints of problems, but there were no reports of serious injuries or deaths. In light of the risks, the company is asking customers to destroy the affected devices and consider acquiring and using an alternative intraosseous product until Becton Dickinson provides a replacement.

The company is working to fix the flaws, but has not yet provided a replacement product. For August 2022, Becton Dickinson products remain unusable, the company asks customers to consider alternative devices. Cook Medical and Teleflex are among the other suppliers of needles for intraosseous infusions.^[1]

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