Final answer:
Normal saline is used to rinse and prime the tubing in the extracorporeal circuit in medical settings, as it is compatible with the human body. Strict protocols and aseptic techniques ensure that the environments and materials remain sterile to prevent any contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal saline is used to rinse and prime the tubing of the extracorporeal circuit to remove sterilant and air. Using normal saline ensures compatibility with the human body, as it has the same salt concentration as blood and tissues, preventing cell damage.
In medical practices, technicians and health professionals follow strict protocols to maintain sterility. For example, when a technician uses an autoclave to sterilize samples, they are ensuring that all microbial life is eliminated, making the materials safe for use in medical procedures.
Furthermore, concepts like aseptic techniques are vital in labs and hospitals to prevent contamination. Angling tubes or bottles during transfers, flaming openings, and using correct pipetting methods are all part of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infection or contamination.