IV fluid shortage affecting Utah hospitals
Dec 3, 2024, 6:00 AM
Some Utah hospitals are rescheduling surgeries due to an IV fluid shortage. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Some Utah hospitals are delaying or canceling surgeries due to a shortage of IV fluid.
Hurricane Helene essentially caused the shortage, as it knocked out a major IV fluid production company in North Carolina.
Utah Hospital Association spokesman Jordan Sorenson said that right now, hospitals have a two-week supply. But they are postponing IV-intensive surgeries.
“Like a prostate procedure requires up to 15 liters of fluid. Any arthroscopic stuff that can be delayed into the new year, that’s being considered,” Sorenson said.
He said hospitals in Utah have agreed to help each other get enough supplies if the need arises.
“[It’s] difficult, but great to see how well the hospitals have banded together and realized, ‘hey we’re all in the same boat here,'” he said. “If one of us tips over, it’s going to have knock-down effects for the rest of the state.”
Sorenson says the IV fluid supply company hopes to be back in full production by the new year. In the meantime, they hope to get approval for international shipments.
“Importing from Taiwan, China, and Mexico, and the FDA [is] granting waivers for those supplies to be used domestically,” Sorenson said.
