Dentists are being encouraged to conserve IV fluid after a major supplier was damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Eight notes:
1. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane the night of Sept. 26, causing widespread damage in the Southeast and leading to the deaths of more than 200 people, USA Today reported Oct. 4.
2. A Baxter International factory in Marion, N.C., was significantly damaged by the hurricane and is temporarily closed. Bridges leading to the facility were also damaged, according to an Oct. 3 news release from the company.
3. The manufacturing plant is one of the largest suppliers of IV fluids in the U.S., producing about 60% of the IV solution supply in the U.S.
4. Baxter International has implemented a limit on what customers can order to minimize disruption to patient care and ensure equitable access.
5. The supplier said it will also utilize its global manufacturing network to mitigate supply issues while it works to restore operations at its North Carolina facility.
6. Baxter said healthcare providers should use their professional judgment in assessing the needs of their individual organizations.
7. There is currently no timeline for when operations at Baxter International's North Carolina facility will be back up and running.
8. The California Dental Association said Oct. 4 that it encourages dentists to use their supply "prudently" because shortages and delays are expected to last for a long time.