TO:
Chief Executive Officers, Texas Hospitals/Health Systems
THA Government Relations Contacts
Members, Strategic Communications Constituency Section
ROUTE TO:
Director of Pharmacy
Director of Materials Management
SUBJECT: Texas hospitals still may have vials of recalled heparin
BACKGROUND:
Late May 2, the Texas Department of State Health Services contacted the Texas Hospital Association and requested further dissemination of a notice the agency sent on Friday regarding potentially contaminated vials of recalled heparin. According to the TDSHS Notice: Heparin Adverse Events & Recall, vials of recalled heparin have been found during routine health facility inspections here in Texas. TDSHS is concerned that contaminated vials of heparin may remain in the supply chain, posing a serious risk to patients. Hospitals should check all inventory of heparin, including crash carts.
The national news media has covered deaths and other adverse events associated with contaminated heparin, some of which has been traced to vials imported from China. Further media coverage may result if TDSHS continues to locate potentially contaminated vials of recalled heparin in Texas hospitals. Hospitals should seek to reassure the public regarding this patient safety issue if media interest is rekindled and if the facility is confident that no contaminated heparin is in its supply chain.
According to Texas Government Code 305.027, portions of this material may be considered “legislative advertising.” Authorization for its publication is made by John Hawkins, Texas Hospital Association, P.O. Box 15587, Austin, TX 78761-5587.
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Action Recommended
Please ensure that your hospital's entire inventory of heparin -- including storage areas -- are checked immediately and carefully. TDSHS requests that hospitals segregate any heparin products on the recall list and notify the agency. TDSHS also asks that hospitals report any adverse patient reactions associated with injectable heparin and heparin lock flush solutions, or with medical devices that contain or are coated with heparin. See reporting instructions in the notice.
Hospitals should be prepared for potential media calls.
Contacts
Dinah Welsh
Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy
512/465-1043
Amanda Engler
Senior Director
Media Relations
512/465-1050
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