Class II U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Beckman Coulter, Inc. CellMek SPS recall: Sample preparation system designed to automate staining, lysing

Recall published 9 months ago

Sample preparation system designed to automate staining, lysing, cell washing has a software error that causes samples to be dispensed close to or touching tube bottoms, which could dislodge fluid line, result in sample loss, spillage, make instrument inoperable and will lead to unintentional removal of 60-100 microliters from final sample, may lead to incorrect diagnosis or patient management.

The hazard: Device malfunction

The notice describes a specific failure mode. That detail is what a clinician needs, because the right action differs sharply between a monitor, an implant and a test kit.

What the notice says: Sample preparation system designed to automate staining, lysing, cell washing has a software error that causes samples to be dispensed close to or touching tube bottoms, which could dislodge fluid line, result in sample loss, spillage, make instrument inoperable and will lead to unintentional removal of 60-100 microliters from final sample, may lead to incorrect diagnosis or patient management.

Why it matters: The device may not perform as intended — a mechanical failure, a software defect, an inaccurate reading, or an alarm that does not sound. For a device someone depends on, the consequence of the failure is usually worse than the failure itself.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

If the device supports a vital function, do not disable or remove it on your own judgement. Contact the clinician who prescribed or fitted it, and use the back-up arrangement they gave you. Go to an emergency department if the symptoms the device is meant to manage are getting worse, or if an implanted device gives an unexpected alarm or shock.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
Z-1235-2026
Published
February 11, 2026
Risk level
Class II
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Product type
Medical devices
Units affected
50
Distribution
Nationwide
Made in
United States
Lot / code info
UDI-DI: 15099590750312. Software Version 2.3.90.0

Products covered by this recall

CellMek SPS Sample Preparation System, REF: C44603, with software

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Model or item number

On the rating label, the box or the instruction sheet.

  • C44603

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Device enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Malfunction

Beckman Coulter, Inc. — The notice describes a specific failure mode. That detail is what a clinician needs, because the right action differs sharply between a monitor, an implant and a test kit.

  1. Match the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers on your device against the identifiers listed on this page.
  2. Report device problems to the FDA through MedWatch — that database is where this recall came from.
  3. If the device is implanted, or you depend on it daily, speak to your clinician before changing anything about how you use it.
  4. Check whether the remedy is a software update, and if so confirm afterwards in the device menu that the version actually changed.

Claiming on a recalled device

Device recalls are tracked by serial and lot number, so your claim moves faster if you lead with those.

  • Have the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers ready before you call — they are on the device label or its box.
  • Ask explicitly whether your unit is in the affected range; many recalls cover only part of a model line.
  • If you need the device daily, ask what interim arrangement they offer while the remedy is carried out.
  • Log the date, the name and the reference number of every call. Device recalls can run for months.

Company contact: Beckman Coulter, Inc. — 11800 Sw 147th Ave, Miami, FL, 33196-2500

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Device enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Beckman Coulter, Inc. medical devices recalled?

Sample preparation system designed to automate staining, lysing, cell washing has a software error that causes samples to be dispensed close to or touching tube bottoms, which could dislodge fluid line, result in sample loss, spillage, make instrument inoperable and will lead to unintentional removal of 60-100 microliters from final sample, may lead to incorrect diagnosis or patient management. Sample preparation system designed to automate staining, lysing, cell washing has a software error that causes samples to be dispensed close to or touching tube bottoms, which could dislodge fluid…

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: model number C44603. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Match the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers on your device against the identifiers listed on this page.

Can I get my money back?

Have the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers ready before you call — they are on the device label or its box.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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