Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Water Treatment and Quality 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable level of chloramine in dialysis water according to AAMI standards?
- 0.1 mg/L (Correct answer)
- 0.5 mg/L
- 1.0 mg/L
- 2.0 mg/L
Correct answer: 0.1 mg/L
AAMI standards require chloramine levels in dialysis water to be below 0.1 mg/L to prevent hemolytic anemia.
Question 2: Which test is used to detect chloramine in dialysis water?
- DPD test
- OT test (Correct answer)
- Silver nitrate test
- Nitrazine test
Correct answer: OT test
The OT (orthotolidine) test is used specifically to detect chloramine, while the DPD test detects free chlorine.
Question 3: How often should product water be tested for bacteria in a dialysis facility?
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly (Correct answer)
- Quarterly
Correct answer: Monthly
AAMI guidelines require dialysis product water to be tested for bacteria at least monthly.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable endotoxin level in standard dialysis water?
- 0.25 EU/mL
- 1.0 EU/mL (Correct answer)
- 2.0 EU/mL
- 5.0 EU/mL
Correct answer: 1.0 EU/mL
AAMI standards set the maximum endotoxin level for standard dialysis water at 1.0 EU/mL.
Question 5: Which component of a water treatment system is responsible for removing bacteria and endotoxins through size exclusion?
- Activated carbon
- Reverse osmosis membrane (Correct answer)
- Water softener
- Sediment filter
Correct answer: Reverse osmosis membrane
The reverse osmosis membrane removes bacteria, endotoxins, and most dissolved solids through semipermeable filtration.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a water softener in a dialysis water treatment system?
- Remove chlorine
- Remove bacteria
- Remove calcium and magnesium ions (Correct answer)
- Adjust pH
Correct answer: Remove calcium and magnesium ions
Water softeners use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale buildup that can damage the RO membrane.
What is the maximum allowable level of chloramine in dialysis water according to AAMI standards?