Supply chain disruptions are complicating dialysis treatment for some patients in Texas, KHOU-11 reported Jan. 26.
Dialysis treatment centers in Houston have shortened treatment times in response to a shortage of acid concentrate, a fluid used in the dialysis process. In some cases, patients' treatment times have been cut from at least three hours to two. Some dialysis facilities in Texas' Brazos County have also reduced treatment times, according to CBS affiliate KBTX.
Fresenius Medical Care North America, which distributes supplies to more than 2,600 dialysis centers nationwide, confirmed the shortage to KHOU-11.
Fresenius spokesperson Brad Puffer said COVID-19 has sidelined delivery drivers and manufacturing employees, causing regional delivery and supply challenges, despite the company's high vaccination rate.
"We are committed to resolving this unprecedented situation and have gone to great lengths to deliver dialysis supplies, including bringing in volunteer employees from other parts of the company and National Guard members to supplement our workforce," Mr. Puffer told KHOU-11. "Our company will continue to work tirelessly to resolve these issues in order to maintain high-quality patient care."