IV fluid shortage is beginning to impact local hospitals

Mass General Brigham is rescheduling some elective procedures due to the shortage.

The national IV fluid shortage has hit at least one hospital in Boston, which is deferring some non-urgent elective procedures.

Mass General Brigham says it is delaying some non-urgent elective procedures requiring certain IV fluids to at least Wednesday, Oct. 16.

“While we strive to minimize any impact on patients, these measures will ensure we are able to care for those in immediate need,” the hospital said in a statement.

On Friday, the FDA announced a shortage of 70% Dextrose, Lactated Ringers IV, and Peritoneal Dialysis solutions. The FDA is working to temporarily import some products affected by the shortage to help meet patient needs.

The temporary solutions are helping to fill the gaps caused by Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter International’s North Carolina facility. One of the largest suppliers of IV fluids, the plant produces saline, sterile water for injection and other fluids needed for the health care system.

On Oct. 9, the FDA announced it had authorized 19 IV products for temporary importation from five Baxter manufacturing facilities in Canada, China, Ireland and the UK.

Mass General Brigham is contacting affected patients and is working to reschedule their procedures.

The hospital said that due to the unpredictable nature of the situation, it does not know when its supply of IV fluids will improve. The hospital continues to monitor the situation and hopes to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

Baxter hopes to reopen the North Carolina facility in phases by the end of the year.

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.