CLASS II Device recall · Reported 25 Nov 2020 · FDA Enforcement Report

Merit Medical Cultura Collection recalled

Merit Medical Systems is recalling Merit Medical Cultura Collection and Transport System Viral Transport Medium, distributed nationwide in the US. The recall was initiated on 16 Sep 2020 and the FDA has classified it as Class II.

Check your package

Lot, batch or date codesAll Lots distributed prior to August 28, 2020. 1 Unit - (01)00884450499917, 50 Units - (01)10884450499914, 200 units - (01)20884450499911
Quantity recalled371,528 units

Stop using the device if the notice says to, and contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for the correction or replacement.

Recall details

Recall number
Z-0456-2021
FDA event ID
86522
Recalling firm
Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, UT
Classification
Class II
Status
Terminated
Recall initiated
16 Sep 2020
FDA classified
16 Nov 2020
Reported
25 Nov 2020
Type
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Customers notified by
Letter
Reason category
Device Malfunction

Timeline

16 Sep 2020Recall initiated by company
16 Nov 2020Classified by FDA+61 days
25 Nov 2020Published in enforcement report+9 days

Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.

Reason for recall

The flocked tip of the 100mm swab may break off in the nasophyaryngeal cavity during sample collection. This could result in soft tissue injury of the nasophyaryngeal cavity or a delay in treatment.

Device recalls are issued when a component, software or design fault could cause the device to fail or give wrong readings. Many are corrections applied in the field rather than physical returns.

Product as listed by the FDA

Merit Medical Cultura Collection and Transport System, 3 mL Viral Transport Medium, Ref: VCTS100, Single Use, IVD, for the following unit counts: 1 Unit - (01)00884450499917, 50 Units - (01)10884450499914, 200 units - (01)20884450499911

Where it was distributed

Worldwide distribution. US Nationwide, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Panama, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago.

Nationwide

Questions about this recall

Why was it recalled?

The flocked tip of the 100mm swab may break off in the nasophyaryngeal cavity during sample collection. This could result in soft tissue injury of the nasophyaryngeal cavity or a delay in treatment.

Which lots are affected?

All Lots distributed prior to August 28, 2020. 1 Unit - (01)00884450499917, 50 Units - (01)10884450499914, 200 units - (01)20884450499911

Where was it sold?

Worldwide distribution. US Nationwide, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Panama, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago.

What should I do if I have it?

Stop using the device if the notice says to, and contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for the correction or replacement.

What does Class II mean?

Class II means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the probability of serious harm is remote.

Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 26 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.

Other products in this recall event

2 other products · FDA event 86522

This product is part of a recall event; the main page for the event is MeritMedical Cultura Flex Swab, Sterile Flocked Collection Device recalled.

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