Supply Disruption Advice
Supply disruption: Baxter dual chamber blood* giving sets
Summary advice to clinicians:
- avoid use of dual chamber blood giving sets unless rapid transfusion of blood is certain or extremely likely
Situation
- We have been informed of a disruption to supply of Baxter dual chamber blood giving sets that is likely to last until March 2023.
- Limiting use of the dual chamber giving sets should mean remaining supplies will be adequate for demand.
- Supply of all other giving sets, including single chamber blood giving sets and sets for level /rapid infusion devices, is assured but may result in institutions receiving products from alternative suppliers.
Background
- Full details can be found in the NHS supply chain statement [link] but it appears there is a problem with product labelling
Assessment
- Dual chamber blood giving sets are widely used but, in most cases, either no blood transfusion is necessary, or a single chamber set could be used.
- Limiting use will ensure adequate supplies are available.
Recommendations
Clinicians are strongly encouraged to:
- use standard fluid giving sets as their first choice unless rapid blood transfusion is certain or extremely likely
- use single chamber blood giving sets unless rapid transfusion is needed
- use rapid infusion giving sets in major haemorrhage where available
- ensure that, where possible, they have access to the IV cannula or an extension to allow the giving set to be changed if rapid transfusion becomes necessary.
*refers to blood and blood products throughout
![A diagram of IV connection](https://ics.ac.uk/static/41f0bc9a-d69e-45e6-b49d3468becdac4a/220x600_highestperformance__4a7c7e45a350/Supply-disruption-image-Baxter.jpg)
![The logos for the Intensive Care Society, RCoA, FICM, Association of Anaesthetists and RCEM.](https://ics.ac.uk/static/45464765-553f-43d6-88a7b6f8474ebb7a/1600x200_highestperformance__4a7c7e45a350/Logo-group.png)