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Saline

Definition

A saline solution is one consisting of a salt such as sodium chloride (common table salt, NaCl) dissolved in water. Saline solutions are often used by emergency personnel to give fluids intravenously (from a bag through a needle in your arm, for example) and to give gastric lavage when a poison has been ingested. A more common, everyday use of saline is for the rinsing of contact lenses.

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Additional Info

When a person receives fluids intravenously (through an IV bag, for example), a saline solution is sometime used. Giving large amounts of pure water directly into a vein would cause your blood cells to become hypotonic, possibly leading to death.

Saline solutions can also be used to rinse the eyes to relieve irritation or remove foreign objects and/or chemicals.

MSDS Relevance

You will usually find this word in reference to recommended medical procedures. In general, these should only be performed by trained medical personnel.

Further Reading

• Saline (medicine) at Wikipedia.
• Understanding Fluid Balance: Types of Intravenous Fluids at Student BMJ.

See also: catharsis, electrolyte, halogen, intravenous.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.