Related Experiment Videos
[Bacteriologic studies of bicarbonate dialysate and suitable initial solutions].
D Wachtel1, H Thieler, E Lenhardt
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinischen Akademie Erfurt.
Zeitschrift Fur Urologie Und Nephrologie
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Bicarbonate dialysate for hemodialysis is often unsterile, with reverse osmosis water being a primary contamination source. Acid concentrate and 1-molar NaHCO3 concentrate show antibacterial properties, suggesting short-term use of dialysate is viable.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Hemodialysis requires sterile dialysates, but current production methods often result in bacterial contamination.
- Understanding the microbial profile and sources of contamination in bicarbonate dialysate is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose:
- To assess the sterility, germ count, and germ tolerance of bicarbonate dialysate and associated solutions.
- To identify the primary sources of bacterial contamination in hemodialysis dialysate.
- To evaluate the antibacterial properties of dialysate components.
Summary:
- Sterility tests revealed that only the acid concentrate was sterile; other solutions, including bicarbonate dialysate and reverse osmosis water, contained significant bacterial loads (approx. 10(5)/L) primarily of Corynebacteria, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas.
- Bacterial counts remained stable at room temperature within 6 hours.
- Both acid concentrate and, to a lesser extent, 1-molar NaHCO3 concentrate exhibited antibacterial effects, with reverse osmosis water identified as the main contamination source for bicarbonate dialysate.
Impact:
- Highlights reverse osmosis water as a critical contamination point in bicarbonate dialysate preparation.
- Suggests that bicarbonate dialysate can be safely used within 6 hours of preparation due to stable, low germ counts.
- Informs strategies for improving dialysate quality control and reducing infection risk in hemodialysis patients.