The American College of Radiology issued guidelines on what radiologists can do amid IV shortages following Hurricane Helene.
Flooding from Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter plant in Marion, N.C., which produces about 60% of the U.S.' supply of IV fluids. On Oct. 3, Baxter customers received a letter from the company alerting them they would be receiving 40% of IV solutions. The allocation increased to 60% for most hospitals and 100% for designated children's hospitals, according to an Oct. 9 news release from the company.
A Premier survey, published Oct. 10, found more than 86% of U.S. healthcare providers are experiencing IV fluid shortages. More than half of respondents said they had 10 days' worth of supplies or less on hand and some smaller providers reported receiving zero percent of their ordered quantities. Nearly 17% of surveyed providers have also canceled elective surgeries and other procedures, with 58% considering the option in the near term.
"While radiology may not be as highly impacted as other specialties, we are committed to doing our part to ensure optimal patient care," the ACR said in its Oct. 9 guidelines. "Each site should follow hospital, institutional or practice plans regarding IV shortage mitigation strategies, and evaluate and ensure that image quality remains acceptable and works within their system."
ACR recommended the following approaches for radiology professionals:
- Reduce test flush/patency flush to 20 ml.
- Reduce or eliminate saline chasers used in CT, including:
- For all venous phase studies, consider using 10 ml saline chaser instead of 30 to 50 ml.
- For CTAs and liver/pancreas protocols, consider using 30 ml chaser instead of 50 ml.
- Venograms remain unchanged; GU protocols like IVP's still use standard protocol of 200 ml.
- Reduce, but do not eliminate, chasers for MR to 10 ml.
- Use the smallest bag you think you might need and use the whole thing once a bag is spiked.
- Continue to be cautious when spiking saline to avoid puncturing the side of the tubing.
"ACR will continue monitoring the situation and will share additional guidance as it becomes available," the guidelines said.