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