Blood Test Tube Recall

A blood test tube recall was issued in June 2019 related to a manufacturing error that caused the additive necessary to preserve the blood sample from being placed in the tube.  This recall has been identified as affecting a number of test tubes from Harris County, Texas.  However, we are currently reviewing all our DWI and blood draw cases throughout Central Texas (Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, and other counties) that might have been affected by this test tube recall to ensure none of the defective tests tubes were used to collect our client’s blood samples.  According to Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests by A.H. Wu (2006), if a sample failed to contain the additive and the sample is stored for more than 2 days, the result for the blood alcohol determination might not be accurate (either falsely low or falsely high). 

The manufacture of the recalled  BD Vacutainer Flouride Tubes for Blood Alcohol Determinations began on August 31, 2018, and the tubes have an expiration date of 7/31/2020.  Please see the attached Amended Urgent Medical Device Recall for more information.  We would like to thank the manufacturer of the BD Tubes for alerting the public to the defect.