inforMED
MalfunctionKSG

PEG

Received May 1, 2012 · Event occurred Apr 2, 2012

Report 1034569-2012-00083 · MDR key 2554404

Device

Generic name

Antibody Potentiating Reagent

Manufacturer

Immucor, Inc.

Catalog number

0705010

Lot number

336017

Product problems

  • False Negative Result

Patient

76 YR

  • No Consequences Or Impact To Patient

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

A CUSTOMER REPORTED OBTAINING UNEXPECTED NEGATIVE REACTIONS IN MANUAL TESTING USING PEG FOR ANTIBODIES THAT WERE WEAKLY REACTIVE ON THE GALILEO ECHO INSTRUMENT.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

A NEW LOT OF PEG WAS SHIPPED TO THE CUSTOMER. NEGATIVE RESULTS WERE OBTAINED. THE CUSTOMER WASHES MANUALLY AND MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY WASHING CELLS. THE WEAKNESS OF THE REACTIONS ON THE ECHO, AND THE LACK OF REACTIVITY IN GEL, POINT TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A WEAK EXPRESSION OF THE ANTIBODY WHICH MAY BE BELOW THE THRESHOLD OF REACTIVITY, ESPECIALLY IF LESS THAN OPTIMAL TEST CONDITIONS EXIST. THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS SECTION LOCATED IN THE PACKAGE INSERT WAS REVIEWED WITH THE CUSTOMER: "POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL HAS A TENDENCY TO PRECIPITATE SERUM GLOBULINS. ACCORDINGLY, WHEN USING GAMMA PEG TO DETECT UNEXPECTED ANTIBODIES, IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO ASSURE THAT THE RED BLOOD CELLS ARE THOROUGHLY RESUSPENDED IN EACH CHANGE OF SALINE DURING THE WASHING PHASES OF THE TEST." THE PRODUCT IS PERFORMING AS EXPECTED.