Hypertonic Saline Effect on Red Blood Cells: Causes & Consequences

In a hypertonic salt solution, the concentration of salt is higher outside the red blood cells than inside. This causes water to move out of the red blood cells and into the surrounding solution. As the red blood cells lose water, they shrink and become crenated. This process is known as crenation or osmotic shrinkage.

Crenation can damage red blood cells and make them less effective at carrying oxygen. In severe cases, crenation can lead to hemolysis, which is the rupture of red blood cells.