Bacteriological studies of the modified Kiil dialyser

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Bacterial proliferation in dialysis fluid is a known risk during haemodialysis.
• This contamination can lead to severe patient outcomes, including rigors, hypotension, and bacteraemia.
• Identifying the source of bacterial contamination is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the source of bacterial proliferation in dialysis fluid during a period of increased patient rigors.
• To determine the specific components within the haemodialysis equipment responsible for bacterial contamination.
• To inform strategies for preventing infection in haemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

• Investigated bacterial contamination during haemodialysis when rigors were frequent.
• Focused on the Kiil dialyser system as a potential source.
• Examined inaccessible parts of the dialyser gasket system for bacterial presence.

Main Results:

• Bacterial proliferation was identified as the cause of rigors, hypotension, and bacteraemia.
• The source of bacteria was traced to the gasket system of the Kiil dialyser.
• These gasket areas were found to be inaccessible to standard disinfectants.

Conclusions:

• The Kiil dialyser's gasket system is a significant reservoir for bacterial contamination during haemodialysis.
• Inaccessible areas within the dialyser pose a challenge for effective disinfection.
• Findings necessitate improved dialyser design or cleaning protocols to prevent haemodialysis-associated infections.