Heparin and dialyzer membranes during hemodialysis: a literature review

When patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are hemodialyzed, the thrombosis/hemorrhage dilemma occurs. The goal is to give enough, but not too much anticoagulant during the dialysis procedure. Heparin is the anticoagulant most widely used to prevent clotting while blood is in the dialysis circuit. This article discusses the relationship among blood, heparin and dialyzer membranes during the hemodialysis procedure. The information presented will help nephrology nurses recognize the necessity to reevaluate heparin prescriptions each time dialyzer changes are made or the medical conditions of patients change.