Content of Human Blood?

[montana]

I am a fiction writer who tends to use a lot of science in my work. I have read that seawater and human blood are made up of similar amounts of "salts" particularly chloride and sodium. While I have found various results for the content of seawater (anywhere from 75-85% of its salt content) I cannot seem to locate any tables that offer a similar breakdown of human blood. Does anyone have access to such information or can you offer suggestions as to where I can find it? Thanks in advance.

[sdekivit]

according to my physiologybook:

'water is the main component of plasma, accounting for almost 92% of its weight. Proteins account for another 7 %. The remaining 1% is dissolved organic molecules, ions ( for salts), trace elements and vitamins, and dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide.'

The normal hematocrit of the blood is about 45%, so 55% of the blood is plasma.

[montana]

Does it say which percent of the salts are chloride or sodium (as opposed to magnesium, etc.)?

[sdekivit]

nope sorry. Mayb you should check on google.

[Dr.Stein]

You can make a saline solution that equals to the concentration of normal body fluid* (isotonic) by yourselves. It is called "physiological salt" that contains 0.9% NaCl dissolved in distilled water. You can easily find NaCl powder and distilled water in chemical stores

I often use this solution in my lab to wash and even soak tissues and organs prior to be processed for any preparation. This will preserve them for a little while from any damaged or being autolysis.

*body fluid includes: extracellular fluid (blood, lymph) and interstitial/tissue fluid.

Good luck! And don't forget to tell me about your book after you finish it

[mith]

Can you buy NaCl from grocery stores?

[Dr.Stein]

Yes of course, just choose your fav one with the funny brand name and pretty package It is more 'valuable' than the one in chemical stores becauce it contains iod and you can use it not only in your lab but in your kitchen. Buy now as a gift for you mom

[Jokkon]

does the iodine bond with the NaCl? oh, it wouldn't be NaCl if it bonds with the iodine, would it not? they just put it there so u don't get a huge bulge thingy on ur neck right?

[Dr.Stein]

Yes, iod helps us to avoid goiter by synthesize adequate thyroxin. But in this case, we need pure NaCl to make the physiological saline

[mith]

There are non-iodized salt in the grocery stores but they also contain anti-caking ingredients so I guess it isn't pure.