Healthcare leaders and providers are adjusting their practices to the nationwide IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene.
A Baxter International factory in Marion, N.C., was significantly damaged by the hurricane Sept. 26. 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.
The damage caused by the hurricane led the company to temporarily close its North Carolina facility and limit orders. The California Dental Association encouraged dentists to use their supply "prudently" because shortages and delays are expected to last for a long time.
Here are five updates on the shortages:
1. The Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act to expedite the rebuilding of Baxter International's IV fluid facility.
2. ECRI issued guidance to healthcare providers regarding practices to avoid and adopt during the shortage.
3. The CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 12 with guidelines on how systems and leaders can manage the supply disruptions of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions.
4. Hospitals and health systems nationwide are implementing conservation strategies and exploring alternatives to address the national shortage of IV fluids.
5. Baxter on Oct. 8 said it has resumed shipments of IV products to hospitals and dialysis patients after a temporary week-long hold and is inspecting finished goods to support current allocations. Baxter also said several of the manufacturer's global plants are ramping production to meet U.S. needs and expect to receive product from the sources throughout October.