Below is an update about IV fluids from Cori Prisco, NJAASC Board of Directors
Vice President.

As healthcare leaders and providers,  the COVID-19 pandemic taught us how to adapt quickly and pivot daily.  Today, I’m confident that we are prepared to meet such challenges. We know that solutions emerge through collaboration and access to reliable information. As always, NJAASC is here to support you, committed to providing timely, accurate updates and connecting you with a community of resources.

While the latest update from Baxter is encouraging, current allocations are still based on historical purchases and medical necessity. In response, Baxter has ramped up production at other facilities and increased U.S. allocations for both direct customers and distributors. However, while Baxter is reporting they hope production at the North Carolina site will resume in 2-3 weeks, we must plan ahead until the end of 2024. It’s important to discuss strategies with your Medical Director, Anesthesia Director, and Governing Body to safeguard your supply in the coming months. As you assess your needs and inventory, here are some key considerations:

• Is there an opportunity to increase your allocation? Contact your vendor representatives and suppliers and work with them on this. Allocations are typically based on recent purchasing history, so as you assess your inventory, remember that November and December often bring higher volumes.
• Can you optimize your current inventory? Collaborate with department heads, your Medical Director, and Anesthesia Director to determine how best to meet patient needs while conserving supplies. Review KVO (Keep Vein Open) protocols and evaluate total fluid requirements for each case, considering what is necessary to both complete the procedure and support patient in postop and recovery.
• Are you keeping all parties informed? Ensure that you assess your stock daily and share action plans with your anesthesia team, nurses, and providers. Consider implementing daily huddles, sending emails, or posting flyers to keep everyone informed about the action plans. Think about appointing a nurse or physician champion who can serve as a go-to resource, help with communication, offer practice recommendations, and promote team engagement.
• Don’t overlook the basics of infection control: avoid pre-spiking. With cold and flu season upon us, cancellations can occur. It’s already standard practice not to spike IV bags until they’re needed, and sticking to this practice also helps reduce waste.
• Don’t forget to assess emergency needs. Check the expiration dates of fluids in your crash carts and evaluate your current inventory to ensure readiness for a potential MH crisis.

NJAASC is dedicated to providing you with the latest information and resources as we navigate this challenge together.

Please share your thoughts on conservation and obtaining inventory in the comment section below.

Cori Prisco, NJAASC Vice President