Severity
Low
PrepStain GN 480 Disposable Kit Catalog/Model 490542 This is a complete kit, per the firm's explanation, that contains the PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240, the product being recalled. The affected lots are listed under those pipettes (PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240)
Reported: June 27, 2012 Initiated: March 22, 2012 #Z-1815-2012 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event units
Tripath Imaging, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on June 27, 2012. Classified as Low severity (Class III). Approximately 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event units are affected. The recall was issued because: The PrepStain Syringing Pipettes may not dispense the minimum volume of 7.5 mL of the sample due to leaking. This event…. 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-1815-2012) was formally reported on June 27, 2012, with the manufacturer initiating the action on March 22, 2012. It is classified under Low severity (Class III), with a current status of Terminated. Tripath Imaging, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Burlington, NC. Federal records indicate 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event 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: The PrepStain Syringing Pipettes may not dispense the minimum volume of 7.5 mL of the sample due to leaking. This event resulted in an increase in complaints of leaking syringing pipettes Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution.. 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 14 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
46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product Description
PrepStain GN 480 Disposable Kit Catalog/Model 490542 This is a complete kit, per the firm's explanation, that contains the PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240, the product being recalled. The affected lots are listed under those pipettes (PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240)
Reason for Recall
The PrepStain Syringing Pipettes may not dispense the minimum volume of 7.5 mL of the sample due to leaking. This event resulted in an increase in complaints of leaking syringing pipettes
Details
- Recalling Firm
- Tripath Imaging, Inc.
- Units Affected
- 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event
- Distribution
- Worldwide Distribution.
- Location
- Burlington, NC
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Low (Class III) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-1815-2012 |
| Date reported | June 27, 2012 |
| Date initiated | March 22, 2012 |
| Recalling firm | Tripath Imaging, Inc. |
| Units affected | 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event |
| Distribution | Worldwide Distribution. |
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? ▼
PrepStain GN 480 Disposable Kit Catalog/Model 490542 This is a complete kit, per the firm's explanation, that contains the PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240, the product being recalled. The affected lots are listed under those pipettes (PrepStain Syringing Pipettes 240). Recalled by Tripath Imaging, Inc.. Units affected: 46,112,784 for all products in Recall Event.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The PrepStain Syringing Pipettes may not dispense the minimum volume of 7.5 mL of the sample due to leaking. This event resulted in an increase in complaints of leaking syringing pipettes
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on June 27, 2012. Severity: Low. Recall number: Z-1815-2012.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1815-2012) 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).