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October 18, 2024
Status of IV Fluid Shortage

Status of IV Fluid Shortage

America is facing a sudden shortage of vital fluids used in hospitals across the country. According to an October 17 report in The Hill, hospitals were left scrambling after hurricane Helene caused flooding to a Baxter plant in North Carolina, where approximately 60 percent of the nation’s IV fluid supply is manufactured. As a result, more than 86 percent of hospitals are experiencing shortages of IV fluids, according to a survey of more than 250 health facilities conducted by supply chain company Premier Inc. Shortages were evenly spread nationwide, across all provider types. According to the survey, 54 percent of facilities reported they had 10 or fewer days of IV fluids in inventory.

Status of IV Fluid Shortage

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The current shortage in IV fluids has, not surprisingly, led to rationing, which—in turn—has led to other ramifications. Some hospitals are limiting the use of certain IV fluids to emergencies only. In addition, the current shortage is causing a drop in surgeries. The above-referenced survey found nearly 17 percent of hospitals were starting to cancel elective procedures.

According to The Hill, the shortage of these fluids is expected to last through the end of the year. Baxter has indicated that it expects to be at 90 to 100 percent of production levels for its customers by that time. In the meantime, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the temporary importation of IV fluid from Baxter facilities in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada and China to ease the shortage. Other U.S. manufacturers, such as B Braun Medical and ICU Medical, are stepping up production efforts to help fill in the gap in supplies.

Finally, the FDA released guidance giving greater flexibility to hospitals and other facilities to make their own IV solutions during this time of shortage. Though this and the other responses listed above are expected to be small pieces in the overall puzzle, hopefully hospitals will be able to fit enough pieces together to get by until year’s end.

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