What is the purpose of using normal saline with blood transfusions?

The primary purpose of using normal saline with blood transfusions is to provide a compatible solution for mixing with the blood product being transfused. Normal saline, which is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water, is isotonic and closely matches the osmotic pressure of human blood. This compatibility is crucial because it helps to prevent hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells) that can occur if blood is mixed with an incompatible solution.

In practice, normal saline is often used to flush IV lines before and after a blood transfusion, ensuring that the blood does not come into contact with any other fluids that could interrupt its integrity or compatibility. It provides a safe and effective medium that supports the transfusion process without introducing additional complications.

The other options, while they may have some relevance in certain contexts, do not capture the main reason for using normal saline in this scenario. For example, while promoting hydration is important in overall patient care, it isn’t the direct purpose of normal saline during a blood transfusion specifically. Preserving blood or maintaining blood cell integrity are also significant, but these roles are secondary to the primary concern of ensuring a compatible solution for successful blood transfusion.