Dialysate Flashcards
DIALYSATE
HD requires the use of a cleaning fluid called dialysate which is composed of purified water (purified to protect the patient from contaminants – see water treatment below), bicarbonate (used to neutralize body acidity) and acid (the acid part of the bath contains electrolytes (including Ca++ & K++). These 2 electrolytes are adjusted depending on the patient labs. Dialysate is biocompatible and clean but not sterile. The physician is ultimately responsible for the dialysate prescription.
Dialysate is mixed in the dialysis machine and goes through the Diasafe filter which ultra purifies the dialysate before it goes into the dialyzer. To ensure safe delivery, dialysate is tested for total chlorine, bacteria, & endotoxins. In addition conductivity and pH are each verified with an independent meter prior to each treatment.
