Hospitals worldwide are short of saline. We can’t just switch to other IV fluids – here’s why

  • Written by: Nial Wheate, Professor and Director Academic Excellence, Macquarie University
Hospitals worldwide are short of saline. We can’t just switch to other IV fluids – here’s whyPavel Kosolapov/Shutterstock

Last week, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration added intravenous (IV) fluids to the growing list of medicines in short supply. The shortage is due to higher-than-expected demand and manufacturing issues.

Two particular IV fluids are affected: saline and compound sodium lactate (also called Hartmann’s...

Read more: Hospitals worldwide are short of saline. We can’t just switch to other IV fluids – here’s why