Ultrasound Gel Recalled After 15 Bacterial Infections Reported

Daily Hornet

On August 4, Eco-Med Pharmaceuticals recalled several brands of ultrasound gel after at least 15 people suffered infections, including bloodstream infections.

The recall involves EcoGel 200 and MediChoice Ultrasound Gel by Owens and Minor and Mac Medical Supply.

Eco-Med reported 15 infections, but it is investigating even more infections that may be linked to the outbreak. “Additional infections have been identified that may also be associated with the use of this ultrasound gel and investigation is ongoing,” according to the recall.

The ultrasound gel was recalled because it may be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that belongs to the “B. cepacia complex” group of bacteria.

Eco-Med warned that the recalled ultrasound gel is linked to several reports of bloodstream infections, which may result in sepsis or death.

Healthy adults are rarely infected with B. cepacia, but infections that do occur can resist antibiotics, spread in the body or bloodstream, and quickly become life-threatening.

Infections are more likely in people undergoing invasive medical procedures, hospitalized patients on ventilators, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recall includes the following ultrasound gel products:

Source: Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Issues Voluntary Recall of Eco-Gel 200