Hetastarch – Part 1
The are several different solutions that surgeons and physicians use when volume resuscitation is needed. One commonly used solution is hydroxyethyl starch, also known as hetastarch.
Hetastarch is a synthetic molecule that is similar in structure to glycogen and that is formulated as a 6% solution in physiologic saline solution (0.9% NaCl.) It is considered a colloid solution and expands the intravascular volume to a greater degree than the amount of solution infused.
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