The human body contains 50-60% water mainly in tissues and cells (e.g. a 70 kg adult carries 35-40 litres of water). Water is one of the components of blood. The blood volume of an adult amounts to 1/12 of the total body weight (e.g. 70 kg adult: 5-6 litres of blood).

 

Major losses of blood volume (hypovolaemia) due to surgery, an accident with burns, or traumatic injuries, must be corrected immediately by giving infusions with blood volume substitutes (such as hydroxyethyl starch).

 

If body fluids are lacking, they may be restored with Standard solutions with defined combinations and concentrations of water and electrolytes (e.g. sodium chloride solutions) or carbohydrates (glucose).

Standard solutions correct the balance of water, electrolytes and acid-base-status particularly in the tissues.

Furthermore, Standard solutions may be used as:

• a carrier for other active agents (e.g. IV antibiotics) 
• part of parenteral nutrition therapy.

Fresenius Kabi’s Volume Therapy products (Voluven^® and Standard solutions) are supplied in Freeflex^® infusion bags.