Saline concentration, volume and route

Copy the units with each number

A percentage such as 0.9% describes concentration. A number followed by mL describes a volume. Record both as printed. A 5 mL ampoule and a 15 mL vial can have the same concentration.

Add the route and the instructions

Write down the use statement next to those numbers. Some 0.9% products are labeled for respiratory therapy and some for nasal care or minor wound rinsing. Your record needs enough detail for another person to tell which product and instructions you mean.

Explore the guides

• Nasal saline for a stuffy nose
  How nasal saline moistens the nose, when a rinse differs from a mist, and which water is safe for nasal irrigation.
• What saline does in eye care
  How eyewash, contact lens saline and eye drops differ, with FDA lens-care guidance and first aid for a chemical splash.
• What saline does in a nebulizer
  How inhalation saline fits into respiratory therapy and how to check the prescribed solution, concentration and device directions.