osmolality

(noun)

The molality of an ideal solution that would exert the same osmotic pressure as the solution being considered.

Related Terms

Examples of osmolality in the following topics:

  • Medical Solutions: Colligative Properties

    • The solutions must be of proper osmolality and concentrations, otherwise irreversible damage can be caused.
    • Normal saline has low osmolality, which can introduce problems, so IV solutions generally have glucose added to maintain a safe osmolality.
    • These two values are slightly different; osmolarity is slightly less than osmolality because it does not take into account the weight of the solutes.
    • The normal range of osmolality in human blood plasma is 270-310 milli-osmoles/kg.
    • Any shift in the osmolality of the ECF will directly impact the ICF and can cause problems with normal cell functions and water volume.