[Measurement of blood losses in the Kill-type dialyzer]

Blood loss in the dialyzer, the blood lines after their utilization, and the blood needed for laboratory investigations are the main causes of anemia in patients undergoing treatment with periodic hemodialysis. With the aim to reduce blood losses in the dialyzer, to improve dialyzation techniques, and to discover eventual errors in work, measurement of residual blood in the Kill type dialyzer is undertaken. The hemoglobin method and an original formula for blood loss calculation are used. By means of a model experiment a recovery of the method exceeding 95 per cent is determined. Results obtained in a series of forty measurements vary from 8.2 to 114.6 ml blood loss. A number of factors are listed as causes bringing about the recorded higher values: low and insufficient output, faulty Kill apparatus replenishment, blood return in the patient with air and the like. In conclusion, recommendations are made to improve the work and the method of blood return into the patient by means of which blood loss in the dialyzers may be reduced.