What is Sterile Water and Why is it Used in Healthcare?
Have you ever received an IV infusion? If yes, you must be familiar with the fact that most IV solutions have a high concentration of water in which the electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, or medications can be loaded. Enough focus has been given to the added substances while neglecting the characteristics of sterile water used in IV solutions.
Sterile water is used for making injectable formulations
In this article, let us discuss what sterile water is, how is it prepared, and what medical purposes it serves.
What is Sterile Water?
Sterile water is one that has been prepared by boiling water at 121°C for 20 minutes. During the procedure, all organic components present in water are removed while the resulting product contains small amounts of inorganic salts. Owing to them, the sterile water is slightly acidic in nature and has a pH value between 5.0 to 7.0. Moreover, sterile water has an osmolarity of 0 mOsm/L.
Sterile Water vs Tap Water: What is the Difference?
Sterile water differs from tap water in many ways. Tap water is cleaned and made to meet the preset drinking standards but it still has some elements that cannot be allowed in water used for IV administration. The major differences include the following:
· Presence of Microbes
Tap water, despite its cleaning, contains many microorganisms which are harmless to the body. This is because our stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) which degrades the bacterial cells and thus the risk of an infection is eliminated.
However, for intravenous administration in which the gastrointestinal tract is bypassed, the microbes can enter directly into the bloodstream and cause infections. Therefore, tap water cannot be a replacement for sterile water for intravenous, ocular, or nasal administration.
Sterile Water vs Distilled Water: What is the Difference?
Sterile water and distilled water are often considered the same. However, there are key differences between the two. These include the following:
· Extent of Purity
Technically, the purity of sterile water is less than that of distilled water. This is because sterile water contains inorganic substances as well as some minerals in minor concentrations. However, in distilled water, both organic as well as inorganic components have been separated out. Entities like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, as well as heavy metals like sulfates and lead, are absent in both distilled and sterile water.
· pH Level
Because of the presence of trace amounts of inorganic substances in it, sterile water has a slightly acidic nature and indicates a pH value that ranges between 5.0 to 7.0. As for the distilled water, the pH value remains at 7.0 which depicts neutrality.
Tap water is safe for drinking but not for intravenous administration
Comparison of Sterile, Distilled, and Tap Water
A comparison of the properties of sterile, distilled, as well as tap water has been presented in the following table:
| Characteristics | Sterile Water | Distilled Water | Tap Water |
| Purity Level | Extremely high | Extremely high | Matches the drinking standards |
| Mineral Concentration | Extremely low | Extremely low | High |
| Microbial Presence | Absent | Absent | Present |
| Osmolarity | 0 mOsm/L | 0 mOsm/L | 13 to 120 mOsm/L* |
| pH | 5.0 to 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 to 8.5 |
| Tonicity | Hypotonic | Hypotonic | Hypotonic |
| Conductivity | 5 µS/cm | 0.5 to 3 µS/cm | 5o to 800 µS/cm |
| Suitability for Drinking | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ (In most cases) |
| Cost per Liter | Higher | Higher | – |
*Depends upon the source and type of water
Distilled water is needed in pharmaceutical as well as medical labs
Applications of Sterile Water in Medical Products
When it comes to its applications, sterile water can be employed for the following purposes:
Injections and Infusions
Sterile water for injection is a USP-specified water that can carry a solute (electrolytes, medications, or nutrients) and deliver it to the bloodstream after intravenous administration. The pH value of this water is between 5.0 to 7.0.
Its purity can be estimated by the fact that no additives or antimicrobial agents have been added to it. After a single use, the remaining sterile water in the container needs to be discarded as its sterility compromises when it is exposed to air.
Wound Care
Sterile water can also be used for cleaning, rinsing, or washing wounds and it is termed as sterile water for irrigation. Like sterile water for injection, sterile water for irrigation also has a pH value ranging between 5.0 to 7.0.
Moreover, the absence of antibacterial agents or preservatives renders it safe for use on open wounds. In addition, sterile water for irrigation is hypotonic so it should not be used for drinking purposes.
Inhalational Preparations
Sterile water is often used in pharmaceutical preparations which need to be inhaled. Being less stringent, sterile water is a safer choice in this regard. It is also compatible with items such as humidifiers as well as nebulizers as it does not affect their performance.
Sterile water for inhalation is also capable of delivering the added medications deeper into the lungs. Moreover, it also prevents dryness in the air passageway.
Caution
Despite being extremely clean, sterile water is not for drinking purposes because:
- Sterile water has very low oxygen content as compared to drinkable water. As a result, the taste it has is not as pleasant as one would expect.
- Sterile water for injection is hypotonic. There is a need to make it isotonic before intravenous administration to render it safe for our cells. However, when drunk in its hypotonic form, it can deplete sodium from our body causing hyponatremia. In addition, fluid overload or hypervolemia has also been associated with oral use of sterile water. Therefore, drinking sterile water should be avoided.
Sterile water is free from microbes and thus safe for ocular, intravenous, and nasal administration
Types of IV Solutions at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
As sterile water is employed for the preparation of IV solutions, it becomes an essential component of IV therapy. The IV solutions contain sterile water for injection which is then loaded with electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, as well as medications. These IV solutions are easy to store, handle, and administer and are therefore extensively used in healthcare facilities across the USA.
The solutions containing sterile water can either be used for irrigation or preparing infusions. Considering their importance, the following section covers many different types of sterile water-based IV solutions that are available at the Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
B. Braun L8000 Replacement Preparation Sodium Chloride Solution, Preservative Free 0.9% IV Solution Flexible Bag 1,000 mL 12 EA/CA
US$529.88
Product Details
Braun L8000 replacement preparation is a sodium chloride solution that is intended for IV administration. The product contains the added electrolyte in a concentration of 0.9% which renders its salinity comparable to the blood making the solution normal saline. The water used as a vehicle to dissolve sodium chloride is sterile water.
The absence of any kinds of preservatives or additives in the preparation makes it safe for use in patients as an IV solution. The product is helpful on its own when administered as a fluid replenisher but can also be used for administering certain drugs as well as nutrients into the body.
Braun L8000 replacement preparation is marketed after packaging it in flexible plastic bags which are non-toxic and therefore safe for intravenous use. In addition, due to the absence of natural rubber latex, these products remain non-irritant to the body.
B. Braun L5101 Dextrose Water 5% IV Solution Flexible Bag 500 mL CS/24
US$377.88
Product Details
Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% IV solution contains dextrose as its solute which is added into sterile water. The product has extensive applications because of is a caloric agent. After administration, the body metabolizes dextrose and produces energy which can support the body in case of an extremely low blood sugar level.
In addition, people who are dealing with severe dehydration can also be treated with D5W for fluid replenishment as well as to gain some energy. This B. Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% IV solution comes in a plastic bag of 500 ml capacity. The non-toxic and non-irritant construction material of the packaging keeps the product safe.
Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
US$579.88
Product Details
Grifols 729620 IV injection solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride dissolved in sterile water. The product comes in sterile form and is packed in a plastic bag that does not contain PVC or Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Both of these chemical substances are often found in plastic and produce harmful effects on the body by causing allergic reactions or irritation.
Baxter 2F7122 Irrigation Solution 0.9% Sodium Chloride (24/CS)
US$314.88
Product Details
Baxter 2F7122 irrigation solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride and is prepared based on the method proposed by United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). The product comes in 250 ml packaging and is completely sterile. Being non-pyrogenic, the product does not cause fever or any reactions in the body.
As it is an irrigation solution, it is only to be used for washing the wounds and should not be administered intravenously or orally. The pH of the product is between 4.5 to 7.0 and its osmolarity is 308 mOsm/L. The product comes in a plastic bottle and is free from any preservatives.
B. Braun R5001-01 Irrigation Solution Water 500mL Plastic Injection Container 16 EA/CA
US$344.88
Product Details
Braun R5001-01 irrigation solution water comes in a plastic container with a 500 ml capacity. The cap closure keeps the product safe and also prevents spillage. The plastic container does not have PVC or DEHP which makes the solution even safer. In addition, natural rubber latex is also absent.
B. Braun R5200-01 Irrigation Solution 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Preservative Free Not for Injection Bottle 1,000 mL
US$374.88
Product Details
Braun R5200-01 irrigation solution is a combination of 0.9% sodium chloride with sterile water. The product is completely free from preservatives and comes in a bottle of 1000 ml capacity. Being an irrigation solution, the product can be employed for rinsing or washing the wounds before applying the bandage.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Sterile water is hypotonic but needs to be made isotonic before IV administration
The different types of IV solutions mentioned in the article, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out and order the wide range of IV solutions.
Bottom Line
IV solutions are essential when it comes to administering drugs, nutrients, as well as electrolytes to the body through intravenous route. For their preparation, sterile water is employed which is free from microbes and has a slightly acidic pH value. Moreover, its osmolarity is also zero which indicates the absence of organic and inorganic ions.
Being extremely useful, sterile water is employed for preparing injections, IV infusions, ocular solutions, nasal preparations, as well as irrigation solutions. In all of these solutions, sterile water serves as a base and delivers the necessary clean and microbe-free environment which is needed for the safe delivery of medications to the body.
Owing to their extensive utilization, sterile water-based preparations such as irrigation solutions and different kinds of IV solutions should be stocked up in healthcare facilities. For purchasing the different types of IV solutions, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
