October 7, 2024- Hospitals throughout the U.S. are taking steps to conserve IV fluids after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to one of Baxter International’s critical manufacturing plants, according to NBC News. Baxter said on Sunday that it would temporarily close production at its North Cove, NC based facility due to flooding from the hurricane. Concerns have been raised about a potential nationwide shortage, according to NBC News, as IV fluids are critical for surgery, emergency hydration, peritoneal dialysis fluid, and much more.
Baxter is the main supplier for Mass General Brigham in Boston, which uses more than 100,000 liters of IV fluid from Baxter every month. According to NBC News in an interview with Dr. Paul Biddinger, Mass General’s chief preparedness and continuity officer, the health system received a letter from Baxter that said that due to the temporary closure, the hospital system would receive only 40% of its usual supply from the manufacturer. Hospitals and health systems across the U.S. have continued to take steps to conserve their supplies of IVs, preparing for potential ongoing shortages in the coming weeks.