Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
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…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
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 FDA Devices action (record #Z-2978-2020) was formally reported on September 23, 2020, with the manufacturer initiating the action on August 6, 2020. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Life Technologies Corporation is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Pleasanton, CA. Federal records list the affected scope as NA.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: 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, A…. Distribution scope 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 - 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 - 40,422 medical devices recalls on record
Where this recall sits in the database
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. 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.
Affected scope
NA
Related Recalls
6
0 from same agency
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
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. Recalled by Life Technologies Corporation. Units affected: NA.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on September 23, 2020. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-2978-2020.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
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, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cypress, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, and Vietnam..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-2978-2020) 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
Source: FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA federal recall databases. This recall: FDA Devices, reported September 23, 2020.
- 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)
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.
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.