Lactated Ringer's solution

Ringer's lactate solution, also known as Ringer-Locke's solution, is a solution that is isotonic with blood. It is intended for intravenous administration in humans, but in veterinary use may also be given subcutaneously. Ringer's lactate solution is grouped with intravenous fluids known as "crystalloids", which include saline and dextrose solutions (compared to the "colloids" which contain larger molecules such as starch or gelatine).

Ringer's lactate solution is abbreviated as "LR", "RL" or "LRS". It is also known as lactated Ringer's solution (although Ringer's solution technically refers only to the saline component, without lactate). It is very similar, though not identical, to Hartmann's solution, which is more commonly found in British and Irish hospitals and has slightly different ionic concentrations.

Medical uses

Ringer's lactate solution is very often used for fluid resuscitation after a blood loss due to trauma, surgery, or a burn injury. It has been used to induce urine output in patients with renal failure.