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When we’re feeling weak or have diarrhea, we usually head to the doctor, who often gives us saline. But that doesn’t happen every time as it depends on the doctor’s diagnosis. Saline contains various medical compounds. Different types have different properties. Further, each patient might need different amounts of saline.
It’s also important to know that too much saline can be harmful, so doctors only provide it when necessary.
What You Should Know About Saline
- What is saline?
- Why do we need saline?
- Common types of saline solutions used
- How saline is administered through IV
- Who needs saline or IV fluids?
- Benefits of saline solutions
- When will doctors give saline?
- Precautions for using saline solutions
- Side effects of saline
- How much does saline treatment at the clinic cost?
What is Saline?
Saline is a solution consisting of various minerals, including sodium chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate and sometimes potassium, along with sugars in different amounts depending on the type of saline.
It has several medical uses like cleaning wounds, hydrating eyes and helping to remove contact lenses. It can also be administered through IV to treat dehydration, which is what people commonly call “getting saline.”
Why Do We Need Saline?
Getting saline helps patients who are severely dehydrated by quickly replacing lost fluids and can also provide energy when someone is feeling weak because saline has the right concentration for the body.
In addition, saline is provided when patients can’t eat normally, including before and after surgeries, depending on the doctor’s judgment.
Common Types of Saline Solutions Used
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Normal Saline (Normal Saline Solution/NSS) – This is a regular saline with a concentration of 0.9%, which matches the salt level in a healthy person’s blood. It’s available in 500 ml and 1,000 ml sizes.
- 5% Dextrose (5% Dextrose in water or 5%D/W) – This is a sugar solution with a concentration of 5% and no added minerals. It comes in 500 ml and 1,000 ml sizes.
- 5% Dextrose (5% Dextrose in water or 5%D/W) – This is a sugar solution with a concentration of 5% and no added minerals. It comes in 500 ml and 1,000 ml sizes.
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5% Dextrose in Normal Saline (5% Dextrose in NSS or 5% D/NSS) – This is a mix of 5% dextrose and regular saline.
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5% Dextrose in 1/3 Normal Saline (5% Dextrose in 1/3 NSS) – This combines 5% dextrose with saline at a concentration of 0.3% (which is one-third of normal saline). It’s available in 500 ml and 1,000 ml sizes.
The choice of saline type for each patient is subject to the doctor’s discretion and the situation of each patient.
How Saline is Administered Through IV
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Prepare the equipment for the saline infusion. Check the patient’s wristband to confirm their name before starting.
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Choose a suitable vein for the IV based on the patient’s condition, typically using veins in the back of the hand or arm, including the metacarpal, cephalic or basilic veins.
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Tie a tourniquet above the injection spot. Clean the area with a disinfectant, which is 70% alcohol and allow it to dry for at least 15 seconds, or use Povidone-iodine for at least 2 minutes, or 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol for at least 30 seconds.
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Insert the IV catheter at a 30-degree angle to the skin. Carefully push it into the vein. When you see blood reversing, pull out the stylet and attach the IV fluid set securely. Test to make sure the fluid flows correctly.
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Cover the spot with a waterproof transparent film and secure the IV line with a plaster. Make sure you can still see the injection spot to observe the phlebitis or any extravasation (leakage). If the patient is sweating or bleeding at the spot, use a sterile gauze to cover it.
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Adjust the drip rate according to the treatment plan, clean the equipment, remove your gloves and wash your hands.
Who Needs Saline or IV Fluids?
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Patients who can’t eat or drink for a long time should get saline to maintain and replace fluids, minerals, vitamins, proteins, nitrogen and energy.
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Patients with acid-base imbalances.
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Patients who have lost a lot of fluids and minerals, including those with electrolyte imbalances.
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Patients who need blood transfusions or surgery, as they must not eat before and after the procedure.
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Patients who need medication through an IV.
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Patients who are dehydrated, have severe diarrhea or are vomiting heavily.
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Patients with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to prolonged fasting, excessive alcohol drinking or overdosing on diabetes medication.
Benefits of Saline Solution
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Quickly replaces fluids in the patient’s body.
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Rapidly restores lost minerals.
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Quickly provides sugar for patients with low blood sugar.
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Makes other treatments easier, including slow saline drips for patients who require multiple injections daily.
When Will Doctors Give Saline?
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When the body is dehydrated or losing fluids.
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When there’s a loss of minerals that needs quick replacement.
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For patients who can’t drink enough water, including those who need to avoid oral feeding.
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For low blood pressure due to dehydration.
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When certain mineral levels in the body are abnormal.
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For those with low blood sugar.
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As part of other treatments, such as when accompanying with antibiotics.
Precautions for Using Saline Solutions
1. Choose a vein in the arm that the patient doesn’t frequently use, so they can still use their dominant arm for daily activities.
2. Check the area where you’ll insert the needle to ensure there are no wounds or burns that could harm the vein. Avoid using that arm if it has had surgery, as it is more prone to infection and using a tourniquet can cause swelling.
3. Avoid using the antecubital vein if there are other suitable veins available, since bending the arm could displace the saline needle.
4. Don’t use veins in the legs, as they can easily lead to poor circulation.
5. Avoid veins where surgery has been operated, as the injection could affect the area that has recently undergone surgery.
6. For saline infusion in newborns, use the scalp vein since it’s more clearly visible and harder for the needle to slip out when they move.
7. Be cautious with hypertonic solutions, as they are more concentrated and thicker. It’s advisable to use larger veins.
8. Patients receiving IV medications, including antibiotics or potassium chloride, may encounter irritation and pain at the infusion spot.
9. Change the IV spot every 72-96 hours, starting from the distal end of the vein and moving toward the heart.
10. For patients who require IV fluids for several days, it’s advisable to choose a smaller and shorter needle as appropriate.
11. Avoid inserting the needle in the joint area to prevent movement that could injure the vein.
Side Effects & Complications of Saline Infusion
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If the equipment or saline solution is not clean or the technique is wrong, it can lead to inflammation or infection.
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If air bubbles are present due to incomplete air removal from the IV line, they could enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, which is considered dangerous.
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Symptoms, including fever, chills, headaches and body aches, can occur due to an allergic reaction to saline.
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Administering saline with a higher salt concentration than those in the blood can be life-threatening, especially in young children.
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Giving too much saline too quickly can cause swelling, fluid buildup in the lungs or even heart failure, especially in young children, the elderly or people who already have heart or kidney disease.
How Much Does Saline Treatment at the Clinic Cost?
Intouch Medicare Clinic provides saline infusion services at the clinic. Price starts at 1,900 baht.
Remark
Price does not
1. The price does not include medicine costs.
2. The provision of a saline solution is subject to the doctor’s discretion.
For more info and make appointment
Onuma Peanphon ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Latest edit : 14/05/2025
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