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Dialyzer reprocessing with peroxyacetic acid as sole cleansing and sterilizing agent
P Kes1, Z Reiner, I Ratković-Gusić
1Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Summary
Reprocessing hollow-fiber hemophan dialyzers with peroxyacetic acid is safe and effective. This method reduces intradialytic symptoms and saves costs, making dialyzer reuse a viable option.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Dialyzer reuse is a common practice to reduce healthcare costs.
- Hemophan dialyzers are widely used in hemodialysis.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of reprocessing methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate peroxyacetic acid (Dialox) for reprocessing hollow-fiber hemophan dialyzers.
- To assess the impact of reprocessing on patient outcomes and dialyzer performance.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of this reuse strategy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study evaluating peroxyacetic acid reprocessing of hemophan dialyzers.
- Monitoring of 250 new and 3,227 reused dialyzer sessions.
- Analysis of leukocyte and platelet counts, dialyzer function, intradialytic symptoms, and costs.
Main Results:
- Reprocessing improved hemodialysis-induced leucopenia and thrombocytopenia.
- Reused dialyzers showed significantly fewer intradialytic symptoms compared to new ones.
- Dialyzer clearances and ultrafiltration remained acceptable after multiple reuses, with unaffected dialysis adequacy.
Conclusions:
- Automated reprocessing with peroxyacetic acid is a safe and effective method for dialyzer reuse.
- This method leads to significant cost savings.
- Peroxyacetic acid reprocessing is a beneficial strategy for hemodialysis centers.