Devices

Saline Lock/Flush Syringes Shortage

FDA is offering “conservation strategies” for healthcare professionals using prefilled 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) intravenous (IV) lock/flush syringes due to potential supply shortages. The devices are in shortage “because of an increase in demand during the Covid-19 public health emergency, as well as recent vendor supply chain challenges, including the permanent discontinuance of certain prefilled saline lock/flush syringes,” an agency notice says.

The single-use prefilled syringes are used to help prevent vascular access systems from becoming blocked and to help remove any medication that may be left at the catheter site. When prefilled 0.9% sodium chloride lock/ flush syringes are not available, FDA recommends the following:

Use preservative-free, sterile 0.9% sodium chloride single dose vials if prefilled sterile 0.9% sodium chloride syringes are unavailable.
Use heparin lock flush syringes, typically used to flush an IV catheter to help prevent blockage within the catheter after receiving an IV infusion, if medically appropriate and in accordance with your facility’s policy, unless contraindicated in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Do not use expired prefilled saline flush syringes because they may have decreased volume, degraded ingredients, or lack sterility that may compromise the device’s performance and increase patient risk.
Do not use prefilled saline flush syringes that are not FDA-cleared flush syringes.

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