A laboratory technician needs to prepare a solution by mixing 250 mL of 5% saline solution with enough water to make a total of 1 liter. What is the concentration of the final solution?

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:10:08 +0000

--- **Understanding Dilution Fundamentals: How Saline Concentration Changes with Volume** For laboratory technicians, precision in mixing solutions isn’t just a routine step—it’s a cornerstone of accurate experimentation, patient safety, and operational integrity. One common task involves combining a precise volume of a concentrated saline solution with additional water to form a larger, standardized volume. This isn’t merely a math problem; it’s a practical application of dilution principles with direct real-world relevance across healthcare, education, and scientific research. When a technician mixes 250 mL of 5% saline solution with enough water to reach exactly 1 liter, the resulting concentration reveals how solution strength changes under dilution. Understanding this process helps professionals maintain quality control and make informed decisions when preparing solutions for testing, treatment, or teaching. **Why This Dilution Matters in the US Healthcare and Labs Environment**