What is sodium chloride used for in the hospital?

As a subject matter expert in the field of medical chemistry, I can provide you with an accurate and detailed explanation of the uses of sodium chloride in a hospital setting.

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, serves a variety of purposes in a hospital. Here are some of its primary uses:


1. Hydration Therapy: Sodium chloride is used in intravenous (IV) solutions to hydrate patients, especially those who are dehydrated or undergoing surgery.


2. Electrolyte Balance: It helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, which is crucial for nerve function and muscle contraction.


3. Sodium Chloride Solutions: Various concentrations of sodium chloride are used in medical solutions for different purposes, such as 0.9% saline for general hydration and isotonic solutions, and higher concentrations for certain treatments.


4. Wound Care: Sodium chloride is used in wound cleaning to prevent infection, as it has mild antiseptic properties.


5. Diagnostic Procedures: In some diagnostic tests, sodium chloride is used to flush out the urinary tract during cystoscopy or to prepare the bowel for a colonoscopy.


6. Gastric Lavage: In cases of poisoning, sodium chloride is sometimes used in a gastric lavage solution to help flush out the stomach.

7.
Osmotic Therapy: It can be used in certain treatments where an osmotic effect is needed, such as drawing fluids out of the body in conditions like cerebral edema.

8.
Pharmaceutical Formulation: Sodium chloride is an ingredient in the formulation of various medications.

9.
Research and Laboratory Use: It is also used in the preparation of laboratory solutions and for research purposes in medical and biological studies.

Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% is used to replace lost body fluids and salts. Other medicines which are given by injection or by a drip, may be diluted with Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9%. Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% can also be used as a sterile irrigation solution.