Important information on a critical IV fluid shortage!!!!

Please read the email below.  We have a very critical shortage of Normal Saline.  Please pay attention to NS infusions and whenever possible (like piggy bag flush lines) hang .45NS instead.  I will send out any updates as I receive them and will be monitoring this situation closely.

Melinda

From: Kokko, Heather
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 10:56 PM
Subject: critical shortage of IV fluids

Colleagues,

MUSC is one of many healthcare providers experiencing a critical shortage of intravenous solutions. Volume bags of 0.9 % normal saline (1000cc, 500cc, & 250cc) are not available from our main manufacturer (Baxter) until at least mid-February.  Total supply of 1000cc bags of 0.9% normal saline are currently stocked for only 5 days.  We are working closely with the industry to obtain more stock.

As you know, normal saline is used all over the hospital and has many uses.  Additionally, nurses have a major influence over prescribing patterns and usage of this type of supportive care.  It is imperative that your staff are aware of this serious shortage and work with physicians and other prescribers to conserve stock.  Please inform your staff as soon as possible to avoid wastage and implement conservation measures.  Please encourage conversion when possible so we may be able to avoid later more strict conservation measures.

According to Baxter executives, the current nationwide disruption is a direct result of changes in their production combined with a much greater that expected clinical need.  Supply Chain Management is in constant communication with senior management at Baxter and actively pursuing all available options to increase our inventories to safer levels.

While alternative supply sources are investigated, MUSC practitioners are working to provide possible:

·      I.V. solution conservation measures, and

·      Alternatives (such as Plasmalyte, Lactated Ringers, and pre-filled syringes).

During this time, all health providers are asked to:

·      conserve and limit normal saline (N.S.),

·      employ use of alternative I.V. products such as Ringers Lactate, 0.45% NS and D5W, especially for low rate infusion when possible,

·      consider using oral hydration when possible,

·      avoid use of N.S. irrigation solutions,

·      consider using commercial dialysis solutions.

Thank you for understanding and helping to provide quality patient care under dynamically changing conditions.  We will continue to monitor the shortage situation and update you as necessary.  Additional restrictions may become necessary as this situation unfolds.

Heather Easterling Kokko, PharmD, MBA
Director, Department of Pharmacy Services
  Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center
Director, Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency
Clinical Associate Dean for Medical Center Affairs
 South Carolina College of Pharmacy
(843) 792-5691 (office)
(843) 792-2360 (fax)
kokko@musc.edu