FDA Devices recall · Reported September 23, 2020
The TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v1.2 for 7500 RTPCR instruments, includes the assays and controls for a multiplex real-time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The test is interpreted by COVID-19 Interpretive Software
COVID-19 Interpretive Software issues that may cause: 1) the risk of invalid or inconclusive tests/false negative and potentially increasing the retesting burden on customers. 2…
Life Technologies Corporation recalled The TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v… - a moderate-severity action.
The TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v… was recalled by Life Technologies Corporation in September 23, 2020. Reason: COVID-19 Interpretive Software issues that may cause: 1) the risk of invalid or inconclusive tests/false neg…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-2978-2020 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Life Technologies Corporation issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-COVID-19 Interpretive Software issues that may cause: 1) the risk of invalid or inconclusive tests/false neg….
- Moderate
- severity level
- Class II
- classification
- September 23, 2020
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-2978-2020 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 TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v1.2 for 7500 RTPCR instruments, includes the assays and controls for a multiplex real-time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The test is interpreted by COVID-19 Interpretive Software
Reason for recall
COVID-19 Interpretive Software issues that may cause: 1) the risk of invalid or inconclusive tests/false negative and potentially increasing the retesting burden on customers. 2) false positive results due to improper vortexing.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-2978-2020 |
| Date reported | September 23, 2020 |
| Date initiated | August 6, 2020 |
| Recalling firm | Life Technologies Corporation |
| Firm location | Pleasanton, CA |
| Affected scope | NA |
| Distribution | US: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WV. OUS: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Australia,… |
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-2978-2020) 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