IV Fluid (Saline, LR, and Dextrose) & IV Bag Shortage

Based on feedback from Healthy Connections Medicaid providers, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is aware of a potential shortage of saline solution, intravenous (IV) fluids and IV bags. A plant that manufactures a large portion of the country's IV fluid bags, including the majority of one-liter IV fluid bags, was severely damaged during Hurricane Helene. At this time, there is not a known timeline for when this inventory will come back online.

To mitigate the potential impact of a shortage of IV fluid bags on Healthy Connections Medicaidmembers and preserve IV fluid bags for patients in need of a more severe level of care, providers are encouraged to consider a conservative approach in using oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in lieu of IV fluid bags when clinically appropriate. Recommendations on potentially clinically appropriate use of ORT and oral rehydration strategies during a shortage of IV fluid bags are available in this article from the New England Journal of Medicine.

Thank you for your help in this effort while the supply of IV bags stabilizes. We appreciate your continued support of the South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid program.

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