November 11, 2024- A few weeks after Baxter temporarily closed its manufacturing plant in North Carolina, which was the nation’s main supplier of intravenous solutions, 84% of hospital workers reported a moderate or critical fluid shortage, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
In late September, Hurricane Helene flooded Baxter’s site, resulting in a national shortage of IV fluids and prompting some hospitals to delay surgeries. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists surveyed 401 of its members from Oct. 16-25 to assess the severity of the shortage.
47% of respondents, who are in charge of purchasing and inventory management, reported their current inventory of large-volume fluids is down to two weeks’ supply or less, the survey found.
Three-fourths of respondents said Baxter is their facility’s main supplier of large-volume fluids. The most common mitigation strategies included converting infused medications to injection or intramuscular administration (71% of respondents), rationing fluids for specific clinical indications (60%) and implementing oral hydration protocols (58%).
In a Nov. 7 press release, Baxter said it expects to soon manufacture 85% of its pre-Helene supply of 1-liter units of IV solution — the most common size used by hospitals and clinics. The North Carolina site is currently producing 50% of its normal output of 1-liter IV bags.