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FDA Devices Verify with FDA Devices → Moderate Class II Terminated

Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-GN), performed using the sample-to-result Verigene System, is a qualitative multiplexed in vitro diagnostic test for the simultaneous detection and identification of selected gram-negative bacteria and resistance markers. BC-GN is performed directly on blood culture media using blood culture bottles identified as positive by a continuous monitoring blood culture system and which contain gram-negative bacteria as determined by gram stain.

Reported: August 20, 2014 Initiated: April 17, 2014 #Z-2170-2014 580 test cartridges units

Nanosphere, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on August 20, 2014. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 580 test cartridges units are affected. The recall was issued because: Nanosphere has determined that a portion of BC-GN Test Cartridge Lot number 040214021A has an elevated risk for No Call…. 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-2170-2014) was formally reported on August 20, 2014, with the manufacturer initiating the action on April 17, 2014. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Nanosphere, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Northbrook, IL. Federal records indicate 580 test cartridges units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: Nanosphere has determined that a portion of BC-GN Test Cartridge Lot number 040214021A has an elevated risk for No Call results and False Negative results. The BC-GN Test Cartridge (20-006-021) is distributed as part of… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: US Distribution including the states of AZ, CA, FL, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, TX and WI. 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.

Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity1Class I (Critical)Class II (Moderate)Class III (Low)
Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity

Moderate

Units Affected

580 test cartridges

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product Description

Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-GN), performed using the sample-to-result Verigene System, is a qualitative multiplexed in vitro diagnostic test for the simultaneous detection and identification of selected gram-negative bacteria and resistance markers. BC-GN is performed directly on blood culture media using blood culture bottles identified as positive by a continuous monitoring blood culture system and which contain gram-negative bacteria as determined by gram stain. BC-GN is indicated for use in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial bloodstream infections; however, is not used to monitor these infections. Sub-culturing of positive blood cultures is necessary to recover organisms for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), for identification of organisms not detected by BC-GN, to detect mixed infections that may not be detected by BC-GN, for association of antimicrobial resistance marker genes to a specific organisms, or for epidemiological typing. The BC-GN test is performed on the Verigene System platform, which is a fully automated, bench-top, molecular diagnostics workstation consisting of Verigene Reader and a bank of up to 32 Verigene Processor SP units. The System enables the detection of bacterial DNA from blood culture, unformed stool, or nasopharyngeal swab, depending on the test, through automated nucleic acid extraction and hybridization.

Reason for Recall

Nanosphere has determined that a portion of BC-GN Test Cartridge Lot number 040214021A has an elevated risk for No Call results and False Negative results. The BC-GN Test Cartridge (20-006-021) is distributed as part of the Verigene BC-GN Test Kit (20-005-021), which is labeled as "IVD". Therefore, Nanosphere has initiated a voluntary recall to retrieve the following BC-GN Test Cartridges: Test Ca

Details

Recalling Firm
Nanosphere, Inc.
Units Affected
580 test cartridges
Distribution
US Distribution including the states of AZ, CA, FL, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, TX and WI
Location
Northbrook, IL

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class Moderate (Class II)
Status Terminated
Recall number Z-2170-2014
Date reported August 20, 2014
Date initiated April 17, 2014
Recalling firm Nanosphere, Inc.
Units affected 580 test cartridges
Distribution US Distribution including the states of AZ, CA, FL, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, TX and WI

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Scale of Impact

580 test cartridges units affected — limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall
Multi-state (10K – 100K units)
Large-scale (100K – 1M units)
Massive (≥1M units)

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-GN), performed using the sample-to-result Verigene System, is a qualitative multiplexed in vitro diagnostic test for the simultaneous detection and identification of selected gram-negative bacteria and resistance markers. BC-GN is performed directly on blood culture media using blood culture bottles identified as positive by a continuous monitoring blood culture system and which contain gram-negative bacteria as determined by gram stain. BC-GN is indicated for use in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial bloodstream infections; however, is not used to monitor these infections. Sub-culturing of positive blood cultures is necessary to recover organisms for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), for identification of organisms not detected by BC-GN, to detect mixed infections that may not be detected by BC-GN, for association of antimicrobial resistance marker genes to a specific organisms, or for epidemiological typing. The BC-GN test is performed on the Verigene System platform, which is a fully automated, bench-top, molecular diagnostics workstation consisting of Verigene Reader and a bank of up to 32 Verigene Processor SP units. The System enables the detection of bacterial DNA from blood culture, unformed stool, or nasopharyngeal swab, depending on the test, through automated nucleic acid extraction and hybridization.. Recalled by Nanosphere, Inc.. Units affected: 580 test cartridges.
Why was this product recalled?
Nanosphere has determined that a portion of BC-GN Test Cartridge Lot number 040214021A has an elevated risk for No Call results and False Negative results. The BC-GN Test Cartridge (20-006-021) is distributed as part of the Verigene BC-GN Test Kit (20-005-021), which is labeled as "IVD". Therefore, Nanosphere has initiated a voluntary recall to retrieve the following BC-GN Test Cartridges: Test Ca
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on August 20, 2014. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-2170-2014.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: US Distribution including the states of AZ, CA, FL, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, TX and WI.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-2170-2014) 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.

Recall Context

Product recalls are issued when a manufacturer, distributor, or federal agency determines that a product poses a safety risk to consumers. This recall is classified as moderate severity, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. Across PlainRecalls, we track 83,000+ recalls from FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA to help consumers stay informed and act quickly when safety issues arise.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category — useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

Compare this recall with Endo-Model Replacement Plateau; Item Number: 15-0027/11; →

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.

All federal data sources used on this page

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).