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Effect of reuse on dialyzer efficacy.
L J Garred1, B Canaud, J L Flavier
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Artificial Organs
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Dialyzer reuse minimally impacts efficacy, with negligible blood compartment volume loss and a slight decrease in mass transfer coefficient for urea and creatinine over extended use. This suggests dialyzers maintain effectiveness for their average lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dialyzer reuse is a common practice to reduce healthcare costs.
- Assessing the long-term impact of reprocessing on dialyzer performance is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of repeated reprocessing and use on the efficacy of polysulfone dialyzers.
- To quantify changes in blood compartment volume and mass transfer coefficients over the lifespan of reprocessed dialyzers.
Main Methods:
- 102 polysulfone dialyzers (F60 and HF80) were reprocessed using Renatron machines and peroxyacetic acid.
- Dialyzer efficacy was assessed by measuring blood compartment volume and mass transfer coefficient (urea, creatinine) at various use numbers.
- Dialyzers were used an average of 14.4 times, with testing occurring during routine dialysis sessions.
Main Results:
- A marginal decrease in blood compartment volume of approximately 1% was observed over a 5-week/15-use period.
- Dialyzer mass transfer coefficients for urea and creatinine decreased by approximately 3% over the same period.
- These changes were found to be statistically insignificant (R values ranging from 0.04 to 0.07).
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of polysulfone dialyzers shows negligible decline with reuse over their average usage period.
- Reprocessing methods using peroxyacetic acid effectively maintain dialyzer function for clinical use.
- Dialyzer reuse is a safe and cost-effective practice without compromising patient treatment outcomes.