What are the main functions of the hemodialysis machine?

Hemodialysis is a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean your blood. To get your blood into the dialyzer, the doctor needs to make an access, or entrance, into your blood vessels. This is done with minor surgery, usually to your arm.

What could be the reason for a conductivity alarm on the dialysis machine?

Reasons for conductivity alarms include incorrect dialysate formulation entered into the machine, initiation of sodium profiling, and empty acid or bicarbonate jugs.

How does a blood leak detector work?

The blood leak detector BLD measures the quantity of transmitted light in liquid-filled tubes. The measuring cell consists of a light source and a photodiode. The emitted light of the LED (light emitting diode) passes the tube before it reaches the LDC (light to digital converter).

What is hydrostatic pressure in dialysis?

In hemodialysis water is removed by hydrostatic ultrafiltration which is a pressure phenomenon. The pressure on the dialysate side is lowered and water moves from a place of higher pressure to one of lower pressure, i.e., out of the plasma. This is how fluid gets removed every time a patient is dialyzed.

What causes high pressure alarm?

High pressure alarm: This will sound when the pressure in the circuit has increased. It helps protect the lungs from high pressures delivered from the ventilator. Secretions, water in the tubing, or kinks in the tubing can cause high pressure.

What is KT V in hemodialysis?

Kt/V. Kt/V, like URR, is a measure of dialysis adequacy. K = clearance—the amount of urea your dialyzer can remove (liters/minute) t = time—the duration of treatment (minutes) V = volume—the amount of body fluid (liters)

Where do you perform dialysis delivery system alarm tests?

Home Preparation and Installation for Home Hemodialysis Leak detectors should be placed around the vascular access site, under the dialysis machine, as well as the water treatment system, to detect either blood, dialysate, or water leaks.

How do you read a dialysis machine?

Kt/V, like URR, is a measure of dialysis adequacy.

1. K = clearance—the amount of urea your dialyzer can remove (liters/minute)
2. t = time—the duration of treatment (minutes)
3. V = volume—the amount of body fluid (liters)

What is the principle of hemodialysis?

The principle of hemodialysis is the same as other methods of dialysis; it involves diffusion of solutes across a semipermeable membrane. Hemodialysis utilizes counter current flow, where the dialysate is flowing in the opposite direction to blood flow in the extracorporeal circuit.