Alaska hospital adjusting after Hurricane Helene causes nationwide IV fluid shortage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Hospitals across the United States and in Alaska are dealing with an IV fluid shortage after flooding from Hurricane Helene caused medical supply manufacturers to cease production.

Baxter International, the largest supplier of IV fluid and peritoneal dialysis fluid for care facilities, was forced to shut the doors of its largest production facility in North Cove, North Carolina — which was impacted by major flooding and water saturating the building.

In a release Thursday, Baxter described their plans to minimize patient disruption moving forward, mentioning a customer limit on orders to prevent stockpiling saline, dextrose, and peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Alaskan hospitals are experiencing the effects of the shortage. Providence Alaska Medical Center said in a written statement:

“The situation and impact to products and availability are currently being assessed, but in the meantime, Providence is employing various mitigation strategies to ensure there is no disruption to patient care, including strategies to conserve current supply and use of alternative fluids and solutions as appropriate.”

Currently, the situation is not considered dire. In a release from Alaska Emergency Medical Services, State Director Michael Levy said it is hoped the situation will be resolved and production will resume quickly, but there are currently no details available.

Baxter’s statement from Thursday also mentioned their medical affairs team’s availability to advise on possible solutions while supply rationing is still in effect.

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