Surgery, Emergency Care Most Affected According to ASHP Survey
2/11/2014
Critical shortages of i.v. saline solutions are affecting nearly 75 percent
of U.S. hospitals and other health care settings, according to a survey of
pharmacy directors conducted by the American Society of Health-System
Pharmacists (ASHP). Sodium chloride solution 0.9 percent, also called normal
saline solution, is widely used in medical care, including treating dehydration,
for patients receiving dialysis, and emergency care.
The online survey was sent to directors of pharmacy who are members of ASHP
in early February. Preliminary results reveal:
- 76 percent of respondents are experiencing a shortage of sodium chloride intravenous products.
- While conservation strategies are working for 53 percent of respondents experiencing this shortage, 29 percent of respondents reporting a shortage have a supply inadequate to meet all patient needs.
- Many respondents are also experiencing shortages of products that can be used as alternatives to normal saline solution, such as Lactated Ringers solution and dextrose/sodium chloride combination solutions.