HSA recalling Albumex 20® for toxic chemical taint

As a precautionary measure, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is recalling all supplies of Albumex 20® (20 per cent albumin) manufactured by the Australian bio-pharmaceutical company CSL Biotherapies.

HSA's laboratories had discovered trace amounts of ethylene glycol, an alcohol generally used as a coolant, in samples of the product.

Previously, CSL had notified HSA that some batches of 20 per cent albumin solution that were manufactured in Australia before 25 January 2012 were contaminated with trace amounts of ethylene glycol due to equipment failure.

Albumin is primarily used in treating certain patients with very low levels of albumin such as those with advanced liver and kidney diseases or severe burns.

HSA immediately suspended the supply and use of all batches of CSL albumin products from the public hospitals yesterday evening while the company and HSA conducts further investigations and testing.

Members of the public should not be alarmed as HSA and CSL have assessed that the levels of ethylene glycol detected in the albumin products are very low and are unlikely to pose a risk to patient safety.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
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