FDA Says IV Saline Shortage is Over

The FDA announced that the longstanding shortage of sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous (IV) saline, ongoing since 2018, has now been resolved. The shortage worsened after Hurricane Helene flooded a key Baxter manufacturing plant, responsible for 60% of the nation’s supply, forcing hospitals to ration IV fluids and delay elective procedures.

This situation exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. medical supply chain, which relies heavily on a few manufacturers due to stringent sterility standards and low market incentives. The FDA continues to collaborate with producers and monitor other IV fluid shortages to support healthcare system resilience and patient care. Read more from The Hill here.