IV fluid supply – October update 

15 October 2024

The national shortage of IV fluid bags across multiple suppliers in Australia is ongoing and anticipated to continue for the remainder of 2024.

ANZCA President Professor David Story has regularly participated in meetings of the National Response Group, set up to assess and monitor the situation regarding potential shortages of intravenous (IV) crystalloid solutions in Australia. 

Jurisdictions continue to work together to address the shortages.

Baxter Healthcare’s manufacturing site in North Carolina was significantly affected by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Helene, This will impact the availability of international alternative products that have been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under Section 19A (S19A) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Refer to the factsheet available here for further information. 

Some of the bags being imported may have up to 30ml of air in them. Those newer to anaesthesia practice may not have encountered this issue before. Bags with more than a few mls of air carry the risk of gas embolism and should not be pressurised if there is air in the bag. 

Availability of 100ml bags may be restricted, which may mean switching to 50ml syringes. Extra vigilance is required if this is a practice change (such as for adrenalin and noradrenalin infusions). 

Useful advice for anaesthestists has been issued by health authorities in New South Wales and Victoria.