FDA warns public against expired malaria RDT kit

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the general public of an expired malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit being offered for sale on the Ghanaian market.

According to a press statement by the FDA, it investigated a complaint and established the fact that some persons have tampered with the product information on the said expired kit.

Though the said kit, SD Bio Line Malaria Test Kit, has been registered by the FDA, investigation has revealed that the following information has been used to re-label the expired product:

Lot No.: 05CDC017A

Mfg. Date: 2018-03-09

Exp. Date: 2020-03-08

Code: B303D

In view of the recent experience with resistance of the malaria parasite to treatment, the current policy on treatment of malaria in Ghana requires that every suspected case of malaria is tested before treatment.

It is, therefore, a dangerous situation to have a test for malaria using expired RDT kit, which would certainly produce a false result and may lead to inaccurate diagnosis.

All healthcare professionals and facilities are to take note of the above and SHOULD NOT USE SUCH KITS, if they have them in their possession.

Additionally, healthcare professionals are reminded to notify the FDA of any expired products in their facilities for safe disposal.

The FDA would like the general public to know that, it is taking steps to retrieve the said product from the market and also working with the security agencies to ensure the arrest of the culprits.

Meanwhile, the FDA would like the general public to furnish it with information, should they see the said product anywhere on the Ghanaian market, through any of the following contacts;

• Hotlines: 0299802932, 0299802933

• Short Code: 4015 (Free on all networks except GLO)

• WhatsApp: 0206973065

• Twitter: @fdaghana

• Facebook: Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana