Quick guess here - the balanced fluids are patented and have a premium cost, while the saline is a commodity that’s much cheaper for the hospitals.
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Best I can tell is that balanced fluids is the same as lactated Ringer’s and the cost is about the same. It’s been around forever.
You beat me to it. Ringers Lactate cost more but not much. Any pharmacists or retailers who can comment on this, especially in bulk?