Abbott glucose test strips recalled

Dec 23, 2010 3:13 PM

Yesterday, the FDA announced the agency is working with Abbott Diabetes Care to recall 359 different lots of glucose test strips marketed under the following brand names: Precision Xceed Pro; Precision Xtra; Medisense Optium; Optium; OptiumEZ; ReliOn Ultima.

These strips are used with Abbott's Precision Xtra, Precision Xceed Pro, MediSense Optium, Optium, Optium EZ and ReliOn Ultima blood glucose monitoring systems. The systems themselves are not affected by this recall.

The test strips being recalled may give falsely low blood glucose results. False results may lead patients to try to raise their blood glucose unnecessarily, or they may fail to treat elevated blood glucose because of a false, low reading.

The recall is related to the test strips' inability to absorb enough blood for monitoring. Strips exposed to warm weather or prolonged storage may be more likely to provide a false result.

The test strips, manufactured between January and May 2010, are sold both in retail and online settings directly to consumers, but are also used in health care facilities.

The FDA is providing the following recommendations for consumers and health care professionals. To determine if you have product being recalled call Abbott Diabetes Care customer service at 1-800-448-5234 (English) and 1-800-709-7010 (Spanish) to speak with a customer service representative or visit Abbott’s website to look up your product lot number.

Learn more about what you can do to manage your diabetes and check out our Ratings of blood glucose monitors (for subscribers only).