Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse flashcards as text
Which chemical is most commonly used as a germicide during manual dialyzer reprocessing?
Answer: Peracetic acid
Peracetic acid (PAA) is the most commonly used germicide for dialyzer reprocessing because it is effective, relatively safe, and dissipates rapidly. Formaldehyde was historically used but has largely been replaced due to health hazards.
What is the minimum acceptable total cell volume (TCV) for a reprocessed dialyzer to be approved for reuse?
Answer: 80% of the original TCV
AAMI guidelines require that a reprocessed dialyzer retain at least 80% of its original total cell volume (TCV). A dialyzer that falls below this threshold must be discarded because reduced fiber volume indicates inadequate clearance capability.
A technician notices the reuse count on a dialyzer has reached the facility's maximum allowed reuses. What is the correct action?
Answer: Discard the dialyzer and document the disposal
When a dialyzer reaches the facility's maximum reuse count, it must be discarded regardless of TCV or visual appearance. The reuse limit is a safety boundary set by the facility based on manufacturer data, regulatory standards, and clinical policy.
Before returning a reprocessed dialyzer to a patient, which test must be performed to ensure patient safety?
Answer: Germicide residual test
A germicide residual test must be performed to confirm that germicide levels in the dialyzer are below the safe threshold before use. Exposing a patient to residual germicide can cause serious adverse reactions including hemolysis and cardiovascular compromise.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of pressure testing a dialyzer during reprocessing?
Answer: To verify membrane integrity and detect fiber bundle leaks
Pressure testing during reprocessing verifies the integrity of the dialyzer membrane. A drop in pressure indicates that fibers are broken or leaking, which would allow blood and dialysate to mix during treatment—a serious patient safety risk.
What information must be documented on the label of a reprocessed dialyzer?
Answer: Patient name or ID, reuse count, and date of last reprocessing
Reprocessed dialyzer labels must include the patient identifier, the reuse count, and the date of the most recent reprocessing. This information is essential for tracking and verifying the dialyzer is correctly matched to the patient and within policy limits.