Health care providers and medical facilities are being encouraged to conserve supplies of intravenous (IV) fluids after Hurricane Helene severely damaged facilities at a Baxter International plant in North Carolina, resulting in its closure. Baxter produces the majority of IV fluids used in the country and is the largest U.S. manufacturer of peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Providers Urged to Implement Conservation Strategies

Emergency management experts are calling for all health care providers to implement conservation strategies, while still maintaining a focus on patient safety. If you are facing supply shortages:

1. Make your county’s Medical and Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) aware of any shortages of IV fluids you are facing.
2. If you are unable to obtain needed supplies through existing contracts with other facilities or suppliers, you can submit resource requests to your MHOAC.

Baxter Working to Minimize Disruptions

Baxter is actively managing inventory and implementing a protective allocation process by product line to help support supply continuity and equitable product distribution.

While Baxter is working expeditiously to restore its manufacturing operations and return to production, there is currently no estimated restoration timeline. The company, which supplies about 60% of the country's IV fluid bags, is also working with federal agencies to "mitigate supply disruption to patients."

Baxter is communicating additional details about product availability directly to customers, distributors and the Group Purchasing Organizations. While health care providers should use their professional judgment in assessing the needs and resources of their individual organizations and patients, Baxter’s Medical Affairs team is also offering support and resources to assist in product management and conservation actions.

Practices and facilities with questions can email MedInfo@Baxter.com.

For More Information

• Baxter Press Release: Baxter Provides Update on North Cove, N.C., Facility and Hurricane Helene Relief Plans for Community
• Baxter Letter: Suggestions for Management and Conservation
• ASHP: Small- and Large-Volume Fluid Shortages – Suggestions for Management and Conservation
• ECRI: Patient safety nonprofit releases guidance for navigating medical supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene