Update: Home-prepared saline can be used for cleansing wounds

VOL: 103, ISSUE: 9, PAGE NO: 39

A quasi-experimental study published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing has suggested that home-prepared saline may be a cost-effective alternative to sterile products for wound cleansing in patients' homes.

A quasi-experimental study published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing has suggested that home-prepared saline may be a cost-effective alternative to sterile products for wound cleansing in patients' homes.

The researchers aimed to determine the rate of contamination for a normal saline solution prepared with distilled water and salt when it was stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator, and to compare the rate of contamination for solutions prepared and stored under controlled conditions with those prepared and stored in patients' homes.

The authors of this small-scale study found that saline solutions produced by adding table salt to distilled water will remain bacteria-free for one month if refrigerated. However, they recommend that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Fellows, J., Crestodina, L. (2006) Home-prepared saline: a safe, cost-effective alternative for wound cleansing in home care. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing; 33: 6, 606-609.