Statement from Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health on quality issues with certain Cardinal Health surgical gowns and packs

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Jan. 11 and again on Jan. 15, 2020, medical device manufacturer Cardinal Health alerted its customers to potential quality issues affecting some of its Level 3 surgical gowns and PreSource procedural packs that contain these gowns. Cardinal Health recommends, and the FDA agrees, that customers should immediately discontinue use of all affected surgical gowns and PreSource procedural packs that include these surgical gowns because the manufacturer cannot provide assurance the products are sterile. The FDA is working to assess the cause and full impact of these concerns.

Surgical gowns are commonly used in health care facilities during surgical procedures and/or to provide moderate to high risk barrier protection. Gowns are classified into four levels of barrier protection based on their liquid barrier performance. Level 3 gowns provide moderate risk protection and are used in a wide-range of surgical procedures, such as open heart surgery and knee replacements. They are intended to be worn to protect both the patient and health care personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material.

The FDA is working closely with Cardinal Health to understand and address the quality issues with these products, including the potential risks to users and patients, which specific product lots are impacted, and the potential impact on the supply chain. At this time, we are concerned about possible contamination of the products and agree with the manufacturer's recommendation about not using the affected lots of Level 3 surgical gowns or PreSource procedural packs. We understand the company is continuing to communicate directly with its customers about which specific products are directly impacted by the quality concern and will be issuing a recall soon.

We also understand this issue may already be impacting patient care at health care facilities, such as the cancellation of non-elective surgeries. There are very real consequences that medical device supply chain disruptions can have on patients, and we're committed to taking steps we can to mitigate any adverse patient impact. At this time, we are not aware of any patient harm because of this issue.

The FDA is engaged in activities to mitigate supply chain disruption that would negatively impact clinical care operations, including identifying alternative Level 3 gowns. There are numerous FDA-cleared surgical gown alternatives on the market that provide Level 3 barrier protection. We will continue to work with Cardinal Health to keep the public informed about the impact on the supply of Level 3 surgical gowns and potential shortages. Customers with questions about whether their own inventory is affected should contact Cardinal Health directly.

We encourage healthcare facilities to contact the FDA with information about potential or actual supply issues. We have a device shortages mailbox (deviceshortages@fda.hhs.gov) so that any user, patient, manufacturer, or organization within the supply chain that is aware of a delay in distribution of new product, and/or anticipates a potential or actual shortage, can notify us.

The FDA will continue to monitor this evolving situation and will continue to communicate with the public on this matter.

For more information:

• FDA: Medical Gowns

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Media Inquiries: Stephanie Caccomo, 301-348-1956, stephanie.caccomo@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration