The Department of Health (DH) received notification from a medical device manufacturing company about its voluntary recall of a batch of radiodiagnostic device which has failed the sterility test.

According to the company- UK GE Healthcare, the involved batch was known as Drytec Tc-99m Generator Lot number 5666. There was a possibility of infection if the non-sterile product was injected into patients.

The device is used to prepare radioactive material for injection to patients during radiodiagnostic procedures.

Information available showed that the affected lot had been used in Tuen Mun Hospital and Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. So far, no adverse effect associated with the use of device has been received by DH.

The DH has informed the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, radiodiagnostic laboratories and medical professional associations about the recall and advised them to check for details with the company.

DH will continue to monitor the situation and advise the public and health profession accordingly.

Ends/Wednesday, April 23, 2008