FDA Devices recall · Reported January 20, 2021
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
Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. recalled The cobas z 480 analyzer including dedicated software for IVD use is a plate-based automa… - a moderate-severity action.
The cobas z 480 analyzer including dedicated software for IVD use is a plate-based automa… was recalled by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. in January 20, 2021. Reason: Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0846-2021 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Dirty Lens May Cause Invalid or False Positive Results.
- Moderate
- severity level
- 597 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- January 20, 2021
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0846-2021 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from FDA Devices - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Medical Devices recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record
Of 88,244 recalls with an agency hazard classification, 19,068 are high severity, 64,652 moderate, and 4,524 low. A further 16,179 CPSC/NHTSA recalls have no agency class and are excluded from this split. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
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
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. |
| Firm location | Branchburg, NJ |
| Affected scope | 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.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
- Check the recall number (Z-0846-2021) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade (Moderate), closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Medical Devices · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026