FDA alerts providers to infusion pump danger

The Food and Drug Administration today reported 55 injuries and one death involving an infusion pump and vital signs monitoring system. Becton Dickinson CareFusion 303 Inc. recalled the Alaris Infusion Pump System and Modules in February due to software and other errors that can delay, speed or interrupt the infusion of medications and other fluids to patients. According to FDA, consumers should follow the manufacturer’s recommended actions to help mitigate the potential risk of errors until the software issues have been remediated. Health care providers may report associated adverse reactions or quality problems to FDA’s MedWatch reporting program.