Two manufacturers have recalled various IV fluids distributed to hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide due to the presence of foreign particles.
Key facts
- •Recalled contaminants include fiberglass, stainless steel, rust, cotton, wood fibers, and plastic.
- •Baxter International recalled products for potential fiberglass and stainless steel contamination.
- •B. Braun Medical identified particles in its products as iron oxide (rust) and cellulose fibers.
- •The recalls affect hospitals, infusion centers, and home care facilities that use these IV solutions.
- •No injuries or deaths have been linked to the recalled IV fluids to date.
The FDA has announced five recalls involving intravenous fluids from Baxter International and B. Braun Medical due to potential contamination with materials including fiberglass, stainless steel, rust, and various fibers. The recalls, issued in August 2026, affect products supplied to hospitals, healthcare providers, and distributors nationwide. Neither company has reported any injuries, deaths, or adverse events related to the affected lots.
Scope of the Recalls
Baxter International issued three recalls on August 25, 2026, including lots of 70% dextrose injection and sodium chloride injection, which were distributed to 14 states between July 31 and August 3. B. Braun Medical announced two recalls, one on August 19 and another on August 27, involving Lactated Ringer’s injection and saline distributed nationwide from February 27 to August 3. B. Braun initially identified particles in its products as zinc oxide before correcting the identification to iron oxide, a form of rust.
Patient Safety and Symptoms
While no adverse events have been reported, medical experts note that foreign particles in the bloodstream can potentially cause inflammation, allergic reactions, or vessel obstruction. Patients who received IV fluids and experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or fever are advised to contact their healthcare providers. Those concerned about whether they received a recalled product should contact the facility where the infusion was administered to verify the lot numbers.
Timeline
- August 19, 2026B. Braun Medical announced its first recall of IV fluids.
- August 25, 2026Baxter International announced three separate recalls of its IV fluid products.
- August 27, 2026B. Braun Medical announced a second recall of its IV fluid products.
- August 28, 2026B. Braun updated its FDA filing to identify particles as iron oxide instead of zinc oxide.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
