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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Natasha May

Australia is facing a shortage of ‘crucial’ IV fluids. What does it mean and who will be affected?

intravenous drip in hospital room
IV fluids contain a saline solution similar to the plasma in our bodies. Photograph: Thirasak Phuchom/Alamy

The peak doctors’ body is warning the health system could come to a
grinding halt
next week if an unprecedented shortage of intravenous (IV) fluid isn’t resolved.

The medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), issued a shortage alert on Friday for intravenous (IV) fluid products expected to be constrained throughout 2024, due to global manufacturing issues and an unexpected increase in demand.

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