Washington -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of 32 lots of Covidien-brand pre-filled heparin syringes because of possible contamination.

Covidien, formerly Tyco Healthcare, initiated the voluntary recall after its supplier, Scientific Protein Laboratories LLC, said it had identified a heparin-like contaminant in the syringes.

The FDA said it had received reports of serious injuries and/or deaths in patients who have been administered heparin injectable products of other companies containing the same contaminant. Typical symptoms included anaphylactic-like reactions such as low blood pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The FDA said customers who have the recalled product in their possession should discontinue use immediately. Customers can obtain return-refund instructions from Covidien at 800-346-7197, ext. 8677.

The recalled syringe model and lot numbers are available at http://investor.covidien.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=207592&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1123186&highlight=.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.