IV Fluids in Australia (2025)
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Saline vs Hartmann’s vs Dextrose — a practical buyer’s guide
Choosing IV fluids shouldn’t be guesswork. This guide explains the most-used solutions in Australian clinics—0.9% Sodium Chloride (normal saline), Compound Sodium Lactate/Hartmann’s (Lactated Ringer’s) and Dextrose solutions—then covers bag types, storage, sourcing and stock planning so your team stays ready all year.
Note: This article is for procurement and general education only. Always follow your facility protocol, local guidelines and prescriber direction.
Why supply planning matters
Recent years have seen periodic constraints on IV fluid supply in Australia. Proactive par levels, consistent rotation and clear substitution policies help clinics stay resilient during any market tightness.
The main fluid types (plain-English overview)
0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)
The workhorse crystalloid. Isotonic, compatible with many medications and commonly used for fluid replacement and line priming.
Compound Sodium Lactate / Hartmann’s (Lactated Ringer’s)
A balanced electrolyte solution that more closely reflects plasma ions, often preferred for large-volume replacement when clinically appropriate.
Dextrose (Glucose) solutions (e.g., 5% w/v)
Provides free water and calories when dextrose is indicated by prescriber or protocol. Common pack sizes include 500 mL and 1 L.
Bag systems & ports (what buyers should check)
Container type: Rigid bottles can be easier to store and count, while flexible bags are compact and trolley-friendly. Look at port design (dual ports for set spike and additives), needle-free admixture compatibility, and label readability with clear graduations. If your facility requires PVC/DEHP/latex-free options, confirm these specs before ordering.
Storage, handling & rotation
Store in a cool, dry area within the temperature range on the pack, away from direct sunlight. Use FIFO rotation so the earliest expiry is used first. Record LOT and expiry at goods-in and perform a monthly shelf check (weekly during winter surge). Never use containers that are leaking, cloudy, discoloured or past expiry—quarantine and follow your incident/WHS process.
Ordering & par-level planning (simple model)
1) Baseline demand: Use last quarter’s consumption for each size (250 mL / 500 mL / 1 L).
2) Par level: Par = average daily use × 14 days.
3) Reorder point: Reorder = 0.5 × Par.
4) Seasonality buffer: Add 15–25% during winter or elective activity peaks.
5) Brand/pack continuity: Standardise brands and sizes per site to minimise selection errors and waste.
Example (single-site day clinic):
|
Fluid & size |
Daily use (avg) |
Par (14 days) |
Reorder at |
|
0.9% NaCl 1 L |
40 |
560 |
280 |
|
Hartmann’s 1 L |
15 |
210 |
105 |
|
Dextrose 5% 500 mL |
10 |
140 |
70 |
Availability & substitutions (procurement notes)
If a preferred line is constrained, suppliers may offer an equivalent size/brand or a different container type. Confirm with your clinical lead whether any change in fluid type is acceptable for the intended use. Placing steady, predictable orders can improve fill rates when the market is tight.
Frequently asked questions
-
Do soft bags prime differently from rigid bottles?
Your infusion sets may feel slightly different on spike and hang, but priming is similar. Train to the container most common in your site and keep a quick-reference card in the treatment room.
-
Are there shelf-life differences between brands?
Each product lists its expiry and storage range. In practice, rotation and storage discipline matter more than small label differences.
-
Can I mix brands across sites?
Yes, but standardising reduces training time and selection errors. If you must mix, keep like-for-like sizes in each room and label shelves clearly.
