Severity
Moderate
The cobas z 480 analyzer including dedicated software for IVD use is a plate-based automated amplification and detection system for nucleic acids. The analyzer is intended to be used as an in-vitro diagnostic or screening system providing real time PCR amplification and detection for human samples within the system. The cobas x 480 instrument and cobas z 480 analyzer are to be used by laboratory professionals trained in laboratory techniques and by instruction on the use of the system and ana
Reported: January 20, 2021 Initiated: November 19, 2020 #Z-0846-2021 597 units US; 3411 units OUS units
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on January 20, 2021. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 597 units US; 3411 units OUS units are affected. The recall was issued because: Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results. This recall notice is sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Below you will find the complete product description, hazard information, remedy instructions, and related recalls from the same manufacturer or product category.
Recall Insight
This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0846-2021) was formally reported on January 20, 2021, with the manufacturer initiating the action on November 19, 2020. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Branchburg, NJ. Federal records indicate 597 units US; 3411 units OUS 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: Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution and the countries of Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republi…. 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 5 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.
Recall Distribution by Severity Class
Units Affected
597 units US; 3411 units OUS
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product Description
The cobas z 480 analyzer including dedicated software for IVD use is a plate-based automated amplification and detection system for nucleic acids. The analyzer is intended to be used as an in-vitro diagnostic or screening system providing real time PCR amplification and detection for human samples within the system. The cobas x 480 instrument and cobas z 480 analyzer are to be used by laboratory professionals trained in laboratory techniques and by instruction on the use of the system and analyzer. In the U.S. the cobas z 480 analyzer is used for automated amplification and detection purposes for the following assays: cobas¿ 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test cobas¿ Cdiff Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System cobas¿ CT/NG v2.0 Test cobas¿ EGFR Mutation Test v2 cobas¿ Factor II and Factor V Test cobas¿ 4800 HPV Test cobas¿ HSV 1 and 2 Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System cobas¿ KRAS Mutation Test cobas¿ MRSA/SA Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System
Reason for Recall
Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results
Details
- Recalling Firm
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
- Units Affected
- 597 units US; 3411 units OUS
- Distribution
- Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution and the countries of Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Finland, Lithuania, Bosnia-Herz, Slovenia, Iceland, Estonia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macedonia, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, UAE, Serbia, Montenegro, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Burkina-Faso, Ethiopia, French Guayana, Gabon, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Lesotho, Martinique, Morocco, Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Zambia.
- Location
- Branchburg, NJ
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-0846-2021 |
| Date reported | January 20, 2021 |
| Date initiated | November 19, 2020 |
| Recalling firm | Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. |
| Units affected | 597 units US; 3411 units OUS |
| Distribution | Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution and the countries of Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, … |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The cobas z 480 analyzer including dedicated software for IVD use is a plate-based automated amplification and detection system for nucleic acids. The analyzer is intended to be used as an in-vitro diagnostic or screening system providing real time PCR amplification and detection for human samples within the system. The cobas x 480 instrument and cobas z 480 analyzer are to be used by laboratory professionals trained in laboratory techniques and by instruction on the use of the system and analyzer. In the U.S. the cobas z 480 analyzer is used for automated amplification and detection purposes for the following assays: cobas¿ 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test cobas¿ Cdiff Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System cobas¿ CT/NG v2.0 Test cobas¿ EGFR Mutation Test v2 cobas¿ Factor II and Factor V Test cobas¿ 4800 HPV Test cobas¿ HSV 1 and 2 Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System cobas¿ KRAS Mutation Test cobas¿ MRSA/SA Test for use on the cobas¿ 4800 System. Recalled by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.. Units affected: 597 units US; 3411 units OUS.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on January 20, 2021. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0846-2021.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution and the countries of Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Finland, Lithuania, Bosnia-Herz, Slovenia, Iceland, Estonia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macedonia, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, UAE, Serbia, Montenegro, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Burkina-Faso, Ethiopia, French Guayana, Gabon, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Lesotho, Martinique, Morocco, Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Zambia..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0846-2021) against your product. Visit the official FDA Devices website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device? ▼
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.
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Data Sources
Data as of 2025. Source: FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS federal recall databases.
- Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
- Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
- Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
- Source: USDA FSIS — Food Safety and Inspection Service (meat, poultry, and egg product recalls)
Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS — demographic + housing + income data. census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — wage + employment by occupation. bls.gov/oes
- BEA Regional Economic Accounts — GDP + personal income by state/metro. bea.gov/data/regional
- U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns — establishment + employment by industry. census.gov/cbp
- IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) — tax-return aggregate data. irs.gov/statistics
- data.gov — U.S. federal open-data portal — discovery layer for additional federal sources. data.gov
Source: Federal recall agencies (FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS) Aggregated multi-agency recall feeds · 2024 Recall data normalized across federal agency feeds; severity classifications follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS).