Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

How long should an open bottle of normal saline be kept before discarding?

1. 12 hours

2. 24 hours

3. 48 hours

4. 72 hours

The correct answer is: 24 hours

Normal saline is often used in wound care and various medical procedures due to its isotonic nature, which helps maintain cellular integrity. Once an open bottle of normal saline is exposed to the environment, it can become a potential site for microbial contamination. Guidelines typically suggest that after the bottle is opened, it should be used within a specific timeframe to minimize the risk of infection or compromised sterility. The recommendation of 24 hours reflects a balance between ensuring sufficient time to use the product while still prioritizing patient safety. Keeping an open bottle of normal saline for longer than this period increases the likelihood of contamination from airborne bacteria or other sources, which could lead to complications, especially in clinical settings where patient health is paramount. In practice, this means that healthcare providers should be mindful of the time since opening and promptly discard any unused saline remaining after 24 hours, ensuring both efficacy and safety in wound management and other applications.