What is the percent concentration of sodium chloride in normal saline?

1 Answer

Normal saline that is used in medicine has a concentration of 0.90% w/v of #"Na"#Cl in water.

Explanation:

It is prepared by dissolving 9.0 g (154 mmol) of sodium chloride in water to a total volume of 1000 mL.

This means that normal saline solution contains #"154 mmol"//"L of Na"^+# ions and #"154 mmol"//"L of Cl"^"-"# ions.

Normal saline has many uses:

Normal saline for injection

Injection
(from medimart.com)

Normal saline for injection is used in medicine because it is isotonic with body fluids. This means that it will not cause fluid overloading or dehydration.

It maintains the concentration of sodium and chloride ions that the body requires.

It is also a stable medium for delivering most intravenous medications without incompatibility issues.

Normal saline for irrigation

Irrigation
(from www.guardianemsproducts.com)

Normal saline for irrigation is used for flushing wounds and skin abrasions, because it does not burn or sting when applied.

Nasal Drops

Nasal Drops
(from betadinesolution.net)

Saline nasal washes soften and loosen the mucus, making it easier to wash out and clear the nasal passages.

Eye drops

Eye drops
(from www.rakuten.com.my)

Eye drops are saline solutions that are used to administer many different drugs to the eye.

Eye drops with no medications simply lubricate the eye and replace tears.