Paramedics Told To Use Recalled Glucose Testing Strips

CHICAGO (WBBM) - Chicago Fire Department paramedics who have been told to keep using glucose testing strips recalled by the manufacturer won't be getting replacements until the end of the week - at the earliest.

On Friday, Newsradio 780's Steve Miller reported that the glucose testing strips Chicago Fire Department paramedics were using were part of a nationwide recall - testing strips believed to be defective.

The fire department said last week that a new supply of glucose testing strips should be here by now.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Steve Miller Reports

But now we're told by Fire Department Spokesman Larry Langford that only half the supply is in. And the department is waiting until the other half gets in before it replaces the defective glucose strips.

When will that be?

The end of the week - or the first part of next week, says Langford.

He says the holidays have delayed the shipment of replacements.

In the meantime, paramedics are being told to keep on using the recalled, potentially defective testing strips when checking patients' blood sugar.

Langford says patient care is not being compromised because the strips are just a supplementary tool for paramedics.

For information on specific brands and lot numbers affected, click here.

In:
• Chicago Fire Department
• Steve Miller