The FDA sent a letter to healthcare providers on July 10 advising implementation of "conservation strategies" in response to supply interruptions of BD BACTEC blood culture media bottles.
The letter recommends providers preserve their existing supply for patients at highest risk, such as those who show clinical signs and symptoms of infection.
"We are taking all available measures to address this important issue. BD BACTEC blood culture vials are being allocated manually so we can best mitigate any impact to patient care," BD Diagnostic Solutions President Nikos Pavlidis said in a July 10 statement released in response to the FDA letter.