The medical community in North Texas is closely monitoring an IV fluid shortage that emerged after Hurricane Helene damaged a major supplier’s manufacturing plant in the Carolinas.
The storm’s impact disrupted production at Baxter International, a primary manufacturer of IV solutions, leaving hospitals across the country struggling to maintain their supplies, NBC 5 reported.
The situation in North Texas is under control for now, but healthcare leaders are taking preventative measures to ensure it stays that way.
Steve Love, CEO of the DFW Hospital Council, told NBC 5 that North Texas hospitals have been receiving only about 60% of their normal IV solution supply over the past three weeks. The supply reduction hasn’t yet forced local hospitals to delay surgeries or reduce patient care, but the ongoing shortage has prompted staff to adopt resourceful strategies to extend their available supply.
As the situation develops, North Texas hospitals are actively evaluating alternatives to avoid a more serious shortage. Love emphasized that healthcare teams, including chief medical officers and clinicians, are brainstorming ways to reduce IV fluid usage without compromising patient care quality. By carefully managing resources, they hope to prevent the type of supply disruptions that have led other regions to delay elective procedures.
In response to the IV shortage, the American Hospital Association recently called on the Biden administration to address the crisis and increase access to IV supplies. In addition, there are discussions underway about sourcing IV solutions from foreign manufacturers, though these imports would need FDA approval.
Exploring alternative suppliers could provide some relief for medical facilities facing reduced shipments.
Baxter International is working to resume production as quickly as possible. Although the plant sustained significant flood damage, officials say they aim to restart operations within the coming week.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has invoked the Defense Production Act, granting Baxter easier access to essential materials, which could accelerate the recovery process.
Love remains cautiously optimistic, noting that healthcare providers across North Texas are prepared to adapt if shortages worsen. While the shortage hasn’t reached a critical point locally, the region’s proactive approach may serve as a model for managing similar crises in the future. Love said the medical community in North Texas would continue monitoring supply levels and adjusting protocols as needed to protect patients.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.