PureFlow Users: Chloramine Test Strip Recall

[Meinuk]

This is a cross post.  http://www.billpeckham.com/from_the_sharp_end_of_the/2008/08/chloramine-test.html


PureFlow Users: Chloramine Test Strip Recall


This is important for NxStage Pureflow users:

I just received a registered letter from Fresenius (who deliver  my medical supplies) informing me that the Hach Test Strips in some lot numbers have been recalled. (fortunately, none of mine are in the bad lot numbers)

Here is a copy of the Hach recall letter.  (from the manufacturer's website)  http://www.mcpur.com/main/library/news/Hach_Recall_Letter_to_Customers.pdf

Here is the announcement text from the manufacturer's website:

    Mar Cor Purification
    Important Announcement

    Important Announcement to all HACH SteriChek Test Strip Users

    Hach Company is voluntarily recalling its SteriChek “Sensitive” Total Chloramines and Residual Chlorine Reagent Strips. Hach Stock Number: 811909, MCP Part Number 185-40-048.

    If you have these test strips and have purchased them through Mar Cor Purification, please contact Customer Service at 800-752-1402 to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number and return the affected lot numbers of test strips to Mar Cor. Serim HiSense Test Strips are available as an acceptable replacement until the issue is resolved. The MCP part number for this item is 185-40-029.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause and we will do our best to ensure you are able to purchase and receive replacement testing supplies to meet your needs

This is very important, as the strips are being recalled due to sensitivity issues.  Chloramine is very dangerous to have in dialysate.  There is a very good description of why chloromines are dangerous in the online book:  Complications of Dialysis, page 38 section G. http://books.google.com/books?id=YHTgHjXW-XUC&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=What+is+the+effect+of+chloramine+in+dialysate%3F&source=web&ots=Fx3qOZ4050&sig=9VVhTQ24zYny1Ocu1vle47FsWa8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA38,M1

For any home Pureflow user (That was me until last week when my Pureflow use was discontinued by my unit in a totally unrelated matter) testing for chloramines is our last line of defense from contaminates that could potentially kill us.

If you use Hach Test Strips and haven't recieved a letter from your vendor, call the manufacturer's number listed above.  Check your Batch and Lot numbers.  This is your life.

[silverhead]

Thanks for the heads-up, thankfully our brand is different.
Could you relate why the recall of your PureFlow by your unit?
Tom

[lola]

Thank You just checked Otto's and we are

[Meinuk]

My pureflow was discontinued by my unit, when the state inspectors had issues with the monthly water collection.

Those state inspectors ultimately found quite a few issues with my unit, and my unit temporarily closed On August 15, then suddenly, got rid of their home hemo program.  With no transition, and just one brief call from my training nurse (who thought that she was being transferred - which turned out to be wrong) I was dumped on to another DaVita Unit, but they do not support solo home dialysis, so I no longer have a unit.

It is a very stressful, upsetting time for me, all my trust in my nephrologist has been violated, he won't take my calls.

Now, I am searching for a dialysis unit who will take me.

[silverhead]

I am so sorry to hear of your predicament, Washington State had some issues last year with the Pureflow units, think it was just new technology they did not know how to deal with, finally settled on having monthly lab tests done on the Dyalisate, have always passed them with flying colors. Can NxStage help you out with finding a unit for you?