FDA Class III Recall: Philips S4-1 Ultrasound Transducer by Philips Ultrasound, Inc

Key facts

What this classification means

A Class III recall is FDA’s least serious classification. FDA assigns Class III when use of, or exposure to, the recalled product is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, but the product still violates FDA labeling or manufacturing regulations. Class III recalls are still tracked and reported to FDA, but typically receive lighter monitoring than Class I or II. FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (for devices) or Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (for drugs) reviews the classification and can require additional corrective action if the initial response is judged insufficient. Because this record is filed as Class III, professionals and consumers handling an affected lot should treat FDA's own classification -- not this page's summary of it -- as the authoritative risk signal. A Class I recall is FDA’s most serious classification. FDA assigns Class I when there is a reasonable probability that use of, or exposure to, the recalled product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This classification does not mean harm has already occurred in every case -- it reflects FDA’s assessment of the realistic worst-case risk profile of the defect described in the recall, based on the reason for recall reported by the firm. Class I recalls receive the closest FDA monitoring of the three classes: the recalling firm typically must submit a recall strategy, periodic status reports, and effectiveness checks confirming that the affected lots have actually been removed from distribution or corrected in the field. A Class II recall is FDA’s middle classification. FDA assigns Class II when use of, or exposure to, the recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. FDA still requires the recalling firm to notify affected accounts and submit status reports on the correction, though the monitoring intensity is lower than for a Class I recall.

What consumers should do

Facilities, clinicians, and consumers holding an affected unit or lot of Philips S4-1 Ultrasound Transducer should stop using it for the purpose described in the recall notice and hold remaining stock pending instructions from Philips Ultrasound, Inc. FDA recall records typically direct the recalling firm to notify known accounts directly with a recall letter describing the specific corrective action -- replacement, field correction, refund, or return. Anyone who received the product through a distributor rather than directly from Philips Ultrasound, Inc should confirm with their supplier whether their specific lot or unit is on the affected list, since recall notices are lot- or unit-specific and not every unit of a product line is necessarily included. Questions about a specific unit's status should go to Philips Ultrasound, Inc directly or to the distributor that supplied it; Argus HQ is a public-record aggregator, not the recalling firm, and cannot confirm individual unit status.

Philips Ultrasound, Inc’s FDA history

Argus HQ has recorded 105 total FDA actions tied to Philips Ultrasound, Inc: 0 warning letters, 105 recalls, 0 approval records, and 0 Form 483 inspection citations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recall class for Philips Ultrasound, Inc's recall?

FDA classified this recall as Class III. A Class III recall is FDA’s least serious classification. FDA assigns Class III when use of, or exposure to, the recalled product is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, but the product still violates FDA labeling or manufacturing regulations.

Why was Philips S4-1 Ultrasound Transducer recalled?

FDA's recall record states the reason as: To provide clarification and labelling to define the useful life of ultrasound transducers in the field.

Who should I contact about this recall?

Contact Philips Ultrasound, Inc directly, or the distributor/pharmacy that supplied the product, to confirm whether your specific lot or unit is affected. Argus HQ aggregates the public FDA recall record and is not the recalling firm.

Has Philips Ultrasound, Inc had other FDA recalls or enforcement actions?

Yes. Argus HQ has recorded 105 total FDA actions tied to Philips Ultrasound, Inc, including 105 recalls and 0 warning letters.

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