Seized: Contaminated ultrasound gel containing two strains of dangerous bacteria

The Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors, hospitals and clinics thatcontaminated ultrasound gel produced by a New Jersey company infected 16 cardiac patientsand could pose serious risks to pregnant women and otherswho undergo ultrasound imagingand treatment.

The gel is used by radiologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, OB-GYNs, internists, nurses and ultrasound technicians for diagnostic ultrasound testing. Chiropractors and physical therapists use the gel for therapeutic ultrasound treatment of pain, inflammation and injuries.

The agency told the health professionals to stop using the gel because of contamination with two strains of bacteria. "Although Other-Sonic Generic Ultrasound Transmission Gel is not labeled as either sterile or non-sterile, it is NOT sterile," the FDA cautioned.

Read the whole story:

http://news.yahoo.com/fda-warning-infection-risks-contaminated-ultrasound-gel-212023383--abc-news-health.html

and

http://www.examiner.com/article/contaminated-ultrasound-gel-seized-by-us-marshalls