Is sodium chloride solution the same as normal saline?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Sodium chloride solution is a broader concept that includes various aqueous solutions of sodium chloride with different concentrations. Besides the 0.9% concentration, there are also sodium chloride solutions with other concentrations such as 5% and 10%. These solutions with different concentrations have distinct uses and effects. For example, high-concentration sodium chloride solutions can be used for dehydration therapy, which does not fall under the category of normal saline.

Generally speaking, a sodium chloride solution is not necessarily physiological saline. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Physiological saline refers specifically to a sodium chloride solution with a mass fraction of 0.9%, which has the same osmotic pressure as human plasma. Physiological saline is widely used in the medical field, such as for wound irrigation, intravenous infusion to maintain electrolyte balance in the body, and to prevent cells from losing or absorbing water due to changes in osmotic pressure, thereby maintaining normal cell morphology and function.

However, the term "sodium chloride solution" refers to a broader concept that includes various concentrations of aqueous sodium chloride solutions. In addition to the 0.9% concentration, there are also sodium chloride solutions at concentrations such as 5% and 10%. These different concentrations have various uses and effects. For example, high-concentration sodium chloride solutions can be used for dehydration therapy and are not considered physiological saline. Therefore, a sodium chloride solution is not necessarily physiological saline.

When using a sodium chloride solution, its concentration and intended use should be clearly understood to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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