**************************************************
In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said that DH had instructed Global Medical Solutions Hong Kong Limited to recall two batches of mislabeled radioactive dyes that were used in radiodiagnostic procedures.
A spokesman for DH said the department had commenced immediate investigation into the incident and required the company to adhere strictly to good manufacturing practice measures to prevent re-occurrence.
DH received a report from Queen Mary Hospital last evening that three patients undergoing heart scans yesterday were injected with radioactive dye, Tc99mMDP, that was mislabeled as Tc99mO4. The former was used for bone scan while the latter was intended for heart scan.
Investigations revealed that the staff members of the company, during the course of preparation, have mistakenly put Tc99mMDP into containers labelled as Tc99mO4.
Adverse health effects on the three patients are not expected and so far they did not report any adverse symptoms. Queen Mary Hospital has informed them of the incident and also arranged follow-up check for them.
Meanwhile, all public hospitals and private hospitals were alerted of the incident. No other report relating to the products has been received.
DH will continue to closely monitor the recall and ensure that the company puts into place effective good manufacturing practice measures.
Ends/Friday, September 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:57
NNNN
