Compensator Slider Lambda 6x20 component (part number 473704-0000-000) utilized on all upright ZEISS microscopes (Axio Imager, Axio Scope. A1, Axio Lab. A1). Component used to determine composition of urinary calculi, urinary sediments, bio-crystallates and diagnosis of pathological characteristics in medical applications (e.g.: testing for gout or pseudogout); also used for non-medical scientific research.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0799-2014) was formally reported on January 29, 2014, with the manufacturer initiating the action on December 20, 2013. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Zeiss, Carl Inc is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Thornwood, NY. Federal records indicate 335 units Total (14 domestically & 321 internationally) units are affected, placing this recall in the million-unit bracket that typically triggers nationwide consumer alerts and retailer sweeps.

The documented reason for this recall is: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC has recalled the Compensator Slider Lamda 6x20 component utilized on Standard Pathology Microscopes due to misalignment of the lambda plate. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution - Nationwide including NY, TX, NC, FL, ME, MA and MI; and Internationally to Arab Emirates, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, …. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls, of which 6 were also issued by FDA Devices. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 12 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.