BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, has revised its press release dated March 19, 2021 relating to an expanded voluntary recall that was initiated on June 23, 2020 for specified catalog numbers of the ChloraPrep™ 3 mL applicator due to possible fungal contamination under certain environmental conditions.
BD has determined that storage of the ChloraPrep™ 3 mL Applicator in regions of the world with high heat and humidity, where product may be exposed to temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and 75% relative humidity, allows the growth of Aspergillus penicillioides.
The Aspergillus penicillioides within the packaging can contaminate the surface of the applicator and/or gloved hands of the health care professional and then consequently the sterile field. Since the applicator is used for site preparation prior to an invasive procedure, a contaminated applicator can result in direct inoculation of the fungus into tissues. To date, no complaints, adverse events, injuries, or deaths have been reported related to this voluntary recall.