A practical, reliable method for preparing simple sugar/salt oral rehydration solution

Utilizing readily available measuring devices, we devised a method for preparation of simple sugar/salt oral rehydration solutions, which gives little variability under optimal or field conditions, in comparison with previously described methods (such as 'pinch and scoop'). One level teaspoonful of table salt and four heaping teaspoonsful of sugar were added to a 1.0 litre bottle filled with water. Quadruplicated solutions prepared by five nurses experienced in oral rehydration gave Na ⁺ levels of 61-93 mmol/l and sucrose levels of 2.6-3.7 g %. Solutions prepared by 20 (mostly illiterate) rural Honduran mothers ranged in Na ⁺ level from 60-145 mmol/l and in sucrose from 1.3-3.7 g %, all within the safe and effective range.