Saline, also referred to as a saline solution, is the most commonly used intravenous fluid, and is composed of a sodium chloride-water solution. Although roughly 60 percent of the body is made up of water, if it is directly injected into the blood, it might cause dilution of essential electrolytes. If water was directly injected into the bloodstream it would also result in an osmotic effect in blood cells, causing them to rapidly expand to the point of membrane rupture. This results in the cells’ contents spilling into the plasma, which can cause damage, and if substantial enough, may result in death. A small amount of water injected directly into the blood would not cause lasting harm, but if a large amount of water was, it could result in catastrophic damage. In general, the more water injected into the blood, the higher the number of damaged cells, resulting in a higher risk of permanent complications. Water is mixed in a solution of sodium and chlorine of roughly the same concentration as blood plasma to avoid harm caused by plain distilled water on blood cells. Saline solution is specially formulated to match the electrolytes present in blood plasma which causes less of an osmotic effect than other IV fluids. If you require medications or fluids delivered intravenously, come to Premier Urgent Care today. Our medical professionals can help you restore proper hydration or absorb a higher amount of your medication with our IV therapy. We have two Connecticut locations to better serve you: one in Newington and one in Oxford. We serve patients from Oxford CT, Newington CT, Naugatuck CT, New Britain CT, Seymour CT, Wethersfield CT, West Hartford CT, Ansonia CT, Bristol CT, Cromwell CT, and Waterbury CT. We look forward to serving you!