Recalled ultrasound gel is blamed for 66 bacterial infections, FDA and CDC say

Sixty-six bacterial infections have been linked to an ultrasound gel that was recalled in August, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA said that the CDC reported that of those 66 infections, 60 were in the bloodstream. The infections were reported as of Aug. 31, 2021.

The FDA had urged healthcare facilities to stop using products from Eco-Med Pharmaceutical.

“All ultrasound gels and lotions manufactured by Eco-Med are being recalled due to risk of bacterial contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex.

The FDA independently confirmed that distributed product tested positive for bacterial contamination. The use of affected ultrasound gels and lotions contaminated with Bcc may lead to serious infections, including bloodstream infections, which may result in sepsis or death.”

The initial recall included only some lots of Eco-Med products, however, it was later expanded to include all of the company’s ultrasound gels and lotions. The FDA said that Eco-Med Pharmaceuticals is out of business.

The Eco-Med products are distributed under various names including Athena Liaison Ultrasound Gel, Conductor Transmission Gel, DJO Conductor, EcoGel 100, EcoGel 200, EcoLotion, Intelect, Liquasonic, MAC Brand EcoGel, MediChoice Ultrasound Gel, Medline Ultrasound Gel, Myossage, Norco Ultrasound Gel, Omnisound Ultrasound Gel, Pro Advantage Ultrasound Gel, Red Medical Ultrasound Gel, Scrip Crème All Purpose Lotion, Scrip Ultrasound Gel and Ultra-Myossage.

The products were distributed in the United States, Canada, Australia, Honduras, New Zealand, China, Japan, Malaysia and Israel.

READ MORE

• Old Spice and Secret aerosol antiperspirants recalled because of cancer-causing agent.
• Wilbur Dark Chocolate Triple Covered Malted Milk Balls recalled after employee finds peanut.