Post by jeshicaaa on Nov 16, 2012 16:39:58 GMT -5
Not sure if I posted this topic in the correct forum. I've used normal saline in emergencies before, but I didn't want to post it in the Emergency section and push down topics that need attention.
I posted something like this on another forum, so my disclaimer is I'm plagiarizing from myself.
What is Normal Saline
Normal saline (sometimes referred to as 'isotonic' saline) is a solution of water and dissolved salt that matches the almost universal percentage of sodium in living organisms' tissues.
All animals maintain body tissues and fluids at 0.85% to 0.90% saline. When this percentage changes, issues such as dehydration or overhydration can occur. Longer-term, these issues can cause anemia, malnutrition, and kidney stones/failure. Luckily, all organisms have mechanisms by which their bodies keep the ratio of salts and water in check.
Uses for Normal Saline
You've probably seen normal saline every time you've been to a hospital. Saline is used in IV drips, to dilute medication, as eye drops (contact lenses, anyone?), and as a flush during surgical procedures. It doesn't burn if placed in eyes, open wounds, or blood vessels because it causes little to no change in osmotic pressure (which would make our cells lose or gain water, depending on the situation).
In the realm of hermit crabs, I've used normal saline for a variety of different things. I find it preferable for:
I advocate the use of normal saline over regular water or salt water because of its isotonic properties. Bathing a naked hermit crab in normal saline will neither dehydrate nor overhydrate the crab's abdomen, both of which can result in lysis or general cell death. To me, using normal saline is a small step that makes the crab more comfortable long-term and doesn't cause any further compounding issues.
How to Mix Normal Saline
You would think normal saline would be hard to mix precisely, especially with the variety of salt water mixes out there. That's not the case! ;D Ocean water is on average 3.5% saline, and that's what salt water mixes aim for. One-fourth of 3.5% is 0.875%, right in the middle of the 0.85% to 0.90% required. So, to mix normal saline, just mix your salt water at one-quarter strength.
I have more information regarding osmotic pressure and how it relates to living tissue, and I can post it if anyone is interested. I like learning about things like this. Any thoughts?
I posted something like this on another forum, so my disclaimer is I'm plagiarizing from myself.
What is Normal Saline
Normal saline (sometimes referred to as 'isotonic' saline) is a solution of water and dissolved salt that matches the almost universal percentage of sodium in living organisms' tissues.
All animals maintain body tissues and fluids at 0.85% to 0.90% saline. When this percentage changes, issues such as dehydration or overhydration can occur. Longer-term, these issues can cause anemia, malnutrition, and kidney stones/failure. Luckily, all organisms have mechanisms by which their bodies keep the ratio of salts and water in check.
Uses for Normal Saline
You've probably seen normal saline every time you've been to a hospital. Saline is used in IV drips, to dilute medication, as eye drops (contact lenses, anyone?), and as a flush during surgical procedures. It doesn't burn if placed in eyes, open wounds, or blood vessels because it causes little to no change in osmotic pressure (which would make our cells lose or gain water, depending on the situation).
In the realm of hermit crabs, I've used normal saline for a variety of different things. I find it preferable for:
- Rinsing off streakers's abdomens (the one place on a hermit crab's body where it can lose or gain water quickly)
- Primary flush for wound care
- Water offering for a weak hermit crab who does not want to eat or drink
- Bathwater for a freshly molted hermit crab
I advocate the use of normal saline over regular water or salt water because of its isotonic properties. Bathing a naked hermit crab in normal saline will neither dehydrate nor overhydrate the crab's abdomen, both of which can result in lysis or general cell death. To me, using normal saline is a small step that makes the crab more comfortable long-term and doesn't cause any further compounding issues.
How to Mix Normal Saline
You would think normal saline would be hard to mix precisely, especially with the variety of salt water mixes out there. That's not the case! ;D Ocean water is on average 3.5% saline, and that's what salt water mixes aim for. One-fourth of 3.5% is 0.875%, right in the middle of the 0.85% to 0.90% required. So, to mix normal saline, just mix your salt water at one-quarter strength.
I have more information regarding osmotic pressure and how it relates to living tissue, and I can post it if anyone is interested. I like learning about things like this. Any thoughts?