A laboratory technician needs to prepare 500 mL of a 20% saline solution. She has a stock solution of 50% saline. How much of the 50% solution does she need, and how much water should she add to achieve the desired concentration?

Sat, 09 May 2026 10:09:43 +0000

**How A Laboratory Technician Prepares 500 mL of 20% Saline Solution: Precision, Safety, and Practical Steps** In today’s hands-on science environment, laboratory technicians rely on accurate preparation techniques to support critical diagnostics and research. One common task involves diluting a concentrated saline stock solution to create a precise 20% saline mixture—essential for patient care, specimen processing, and research accuracy. This process, simple in theory yet demanding in execution, reveals the delicate balance between chemistry, precision, and safety. Understanding the math behind dilution ensures reliable results and supports professionals in confident, informed decision-making. Understanding the core challenge: preparing 500 mL of a 20% saline solution from a 50% stock solution requires careful calculation. The technician must determine how much concentrated saline to use and precisely how much sterile water to add. This isn’t just about mixing chemical percentages—it’s about maintaining safe, effective results critical to medical and laboratory standards. The process demands clear, step-by-step actions grounded in proven dilution principles, offering transparency and reducing uncertainty for professionals on duty. ### The Science Behind Saline Dilution