WASHINGTON - U.S. health officials said Wednesday they have not inspected a Chinese factory that may be a source of problems with a blood thinner linked to allergic reactions and four deaths, but plan an inspection as soon as possible.
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The Baxter International blood thinner has been linked to hundreds of reports of allergic reactions and the four deaths. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating.

"While no FDA inspection of the facility has been conducted to date, preparations are being made to perform an inspection as soon as possible," the FDA said in a statement. "We have already requested expedited access to the facility, facilitated through a recently signed agreement with the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration."

The FDA has also requested the facility's inspection data and other reports.

Baxter buys the active ingredient for the drug heparin from a supplier that manufactures it both at the Chinese factory and a facility in the U.S., Baxter spokeswoman Erin Gardiner said.