How to Prepare Normal Saline at Home

Normal Saline is a sterile mixture of salt and water. It is called normal because its salt concentration is similar to tears, blood, and other body fluids (0.9% saline). Normal saline is soothing and will not sting or burn when applied.

You will need:

• 1 clean glass bottle or jar with lid
• ½ teaspoon measuring device, 1 cup measuring device 
• Table salt        
• A pot with a lid

Directions:

1. Put one cup of water and ½ teaspoon of salt into the pot. Put lid on.
2. Boil for 15 minutes with lid on (set a timer).
3. Set pan aside until cooled to a room temperature.
4. Carefully pour from the pan into the glass bottle or jar and put lid on.          

Important points about normal saline:          

• Wash jar and lid in dishwasher or hot soapy water before filling the first time.
• Use within 24 hours, discard any unused solution, wash jar and lid as above. 
• Do not drink solution.
• It is very important to use only fresh normal saline. Bacteria can grow in saline and cause infections.