IS THERE A WAY FOR COST REDUCTION IN FLUI D THERAPY WITHOUT A LOSS INQUALITY

Cost reduction in fluid therapy may be possible without a loss in qual ity of medical therapy if the following principles are adhered to. 1:C ompare the prices of different manufacturers. 2:The greater the produc t unit the cheaper the milliliter. Adherence to this principle is limi ted by hygienic and logistic considerations. 3: 0.9% NaCl-solution is cheaper than Ringer's lactate-solution. Lactated Ringer's solution sho uld be used, only, if there are contraindications against the higher s olute concentrations and tonicity of 0.9% NaCl. 4: Crystalloids are ch eaper than colloids. When choosing between these two options intravasa l duration of action and specific adverse events must be considered. 5 : Cost reduction by differential indication of artificial colloids. Co mparing prices, one must consider risk of anaphylactoid/anaphylactic r eactions, duration of action,limitation of dosage and possible hemosta sis disorders. 6: Restrictive use of albumin. Albumin is the most expe nsive colloid. There are no reasons for routine use.