Free CCHT Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Total Cell Volume (TCV) or Fiber Bundle Volume (FBV) test during dialyzer reprocessing?
- To check for residual sterilant in the dialyzer
- To ensure the dialyzer can still effectively clear waste products (Correct answer)
- To confirm the integrity of the dialyzer membrane and check for leaks
- To verify the patient's name is correctly matched to the dialyzer
Correct answer: To ensure the dialyzer can still effectively clear waste products
The TCV test measures the internal volume of the hollow fibers. A significant drop in TCV, typically below 80% of the original volume, indicates that clotting or protein deposits have blocked too many fibers, reducing the dialyzer's surface area and its ability to provide adequate clearance of waste products.
Question 2: Which chemical is most commonly used as the sterilant/disinfectant in modern dialyzer reprocessing systems?
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Formaldehyde
- Peracetic Acid (Correct answer)
- Glutaraldehyde
Correct answer: Peracetic Acid
Peracetic acid (PAA) is a widely used high-level disinfectant and sterilant in dialyzer reprocessing. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, and it breaks down into non-toxic byproducts (acetic acid and oxygen).
Question 3: Before a reprocessed dialyzer is used for a patient's treatment, what is the most critical final check that must be performed at the patient's station?
- Verifying the TCV is above 90%
- Checking the external casing for cracks
- Confirming the original prime volume
- Testing for residual sterilant (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Testing for residual sterilant
It is absolutely critical to ensure that no residual sterilant remains in the dialyzer before it is connected to the patient. Exposure to even small amounts of chemicals like peracetic acid can cause serious adverse reactions, including hemolysis and anaphylaxis. This is tested for right before use.
Question 4: According to AAMI standards, a reprocessed dialyzer must be discarded if its fiber bundle volume (FBV) drops below what percentage of its original measured volume?
- 90%
- 80% (Correct answer)
- 75%
- 70%
Correct answer: 80%
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) sets the standard that a reprocessed dialyzer must retain at least 80% of its original TCV/FBV. If the volume drops below this threshold, the dialyzer has lost too much surface area to provide an adequate treatment and must be discarded.
Question 5: What does a failed pressure test during dialyzer reprocessing indicate?
- The dialyzer is excessively clotted
- The TCV is too low for reuse
- A leak in the dialyzer membrane (Correct answer)
- There is residual sterilant present
Correct answer: A leak in the dialyzer membrane
A pressure test, or leak test, checks the integrity of the hollow fiber membrane. If the dialyzer cannot hold a set pressure, it signifies a leak, which could allow non-sterile dialysate to mix with the patient's blood, posing a significant risk of infection and blood loss.
Question 6: Proper labeling of a reprocessed dialyzer is crucial for patient safety. Which of the following pieces of information is required on the label?
- The name of the technician who performed the reprocessing
- The brand of the reprocessing machine used
- The patient's date of birth
- The number of previous uses (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The number of previous uses
The label on a reprocessed dialyzer must contain critical patient safety information to ensure it is used on the correct patient and is still safe for use. This includes the patient's name, the number of times it has been used, and the date of reprocessing.
Question 7: During the reprocessing procedure, what is the purpose of the 'reverse ultrafiltration' step?
- To force cleaning agents from the dialysate compartment to the blood compartment (Correct answer)
- To measure the total cell volume of the blood compartment
- To sterilize the outside of the dialyzer casing
- To test for leaks in the membrane by applying positive pressure
Correct answer: To force cleaning agents from the dialysate compartment to the blood compartment
Reverse ultrafiltration pushes fluid (water and cleaning agents) in the opposite direction of normal dialysis flow, from the dialysate compartment into and through the blood compartment. This helps to dislodge and flush out protein deposits and blood residue from the inner surface of the hollow fiber membranes, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.
Free CCHT Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse Questions and Answers 1
What is the primary purpose of the Total Cell Volume (TCV) or Fiber Bundle Volume (FBV) test during dialyzer reprocessing?