The CDC released an updated advisory to healthcare providers on July 22 regarding the BD BACTEC blood culture bottle shortage.
The update highlights the potential for delay in patient diagnosis along with other clinical management challenges affected by the shortage.
The FDA estimates the blood culture bottle shortage to continue through the fourth quarter of 2024, according to its medical device shortage list.
In its advisory, the CDC recommends providers, "assess their situations and develop plans and options to mitigate the potential impact of the shortage on patient care."
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.