Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse Flashcards

According to AAMI guidelines, a dialyzer should be rejected for reuse if the total cell volume (TCV) falls below what percentage of the original volume?

Answer: 80%

AAMI standards require dialyzers to be discarded if TCV falls below 80% of original volume, as this indicates significant fiber loss affecting clearance.

Which chemical is most commonly used as a germicide in manual dialyzer reprocessing?

Answer: Formaldehyde (4%)

Formaldehyde at 4% has been widely used as a dialyzer reprocessing germicide due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy.

Before a reprocessed dialyzer is used on a patient, residual germicide must be tested. Which test confirms formaldehyde removal?

Answer: Colorimetric test using chromotropic acid or equivalent

A colorimetric test (such as chromotropic acid) is used to confirm that formaldehyde levels have been reduced to safe levels before reuse.

Peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide (Renalin/Minncare) used in dialyzer reprocessing is advantageous because:

Answer: It breaks down into non-toxic products (acetic acid, water, oxygen)

Peracetic acid decomposes into acetic acid, water, and oxygen, making it environmentally safer and decomposing to harmless residuals after adequate contact time.

The maximum number of times a dialyzer may be reused is determined by:

Answer: The dialyzer's TCV, blood leak test, and visual inspection at each reprocessing

No federally mandated fixed maximum exists; dialyzers are reused as long as they pass TCV (≥80%), blood leak, and visual inspection criteria at each reprocessing.

A blood leak test on a reprocessed dialyzer involves:

Answer: Applying pressure to the blood compartment and checking for leaks into the dialysate side

The blood leak test pressurizes the blood compartment of the dialyzer and checks whether any fluid crosses into the dialysate compartment, indicating membrane rupture.