A Canberra organisation said the probe covers had been circulating since January 2024. Photo: LightFieldStudios.
A Canberra sexual health organisation has apologised after accidentally distributing covers for ultrasound equipment instead of condoms.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) said lubricated probe covers for ultrasound equipment were “inadvertently distributed” instead of condoms at events since January 2024.
The packaging is blue and labelled with text reading “chekmate lubricated probe cover”.
People are being asked to discard the probe covers. Photo: SHFPACT.
While they are made of similar materials to a condom, the probe covers do not offer the same protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Those who have used the product are encouraged to contact their GP or SHFPACT on 02 6247 3077 for advice and to schedule a free clinic appointment.
SHFPACT CEO Tracey Hall said the organisation was in the process of recalling the affected products from the community.
“Please be assured that our priority is the health and wellbeing of Canberrans, and we are fully committed to resolving this issue with transparency and diligence,” she said.
“An internal investigation is currently underway to determine the cause and extent of this issue. SHFPACT will ensure that the findings of our investigation are fully available to the ACT Government.”
SHFPACT recommends that people who have been given the probe covers open the packaging and discard the product in a normal waste bin.
For organisations, SHFPACT said it would collect the products or they could be disposed of by putting them in the bin.
SHFPACT also said the ACT Health Directorate and associated government agencies had been notified about the issue.
“We understand the seriousness of this situation and are committed to taking all necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. As more information becomes available, we will provide further updates,” said Ms Hall.
“If you require any further information, please contact SHFPACT directly on 02 6247 3077.”
SHFPACT did not reveal which events or locations saw the probe covers distributed in place of condoms.
More to come.
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