Isotonic (0.9%) saline is the most classical of all infusion fluids. It consists of sodium chloride (NaCl) dispersed in sterile water at a concentration that makes the volume remain in extracel- lular fluid (ECF) space. The fluid is called isotonic, as it does not change the size of the cells.

Why is normal saline considered isotonic solution?

Isotonic (0.9%) saline is the most classical of all infusion fluids. It consists of sodium chloride (NaCl) dispersed in sterile water at a concentration that makes the volume remain in extracel- lular fluid (ECF) space. The fluid is called isotonic, as it does not change the size of the cells.

Is normal saline considered isotonic?

Normal saline is a crystalloid fluid. By definition, it is an aqueous solution of electrolytes and other hydrophilic molecules. [1] The main indication for the use of crystalloid fluids in humans is due to their isotonic nature when compared to serum plasma.