Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse Flashcards
6 cards from real CCHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse flashcards as text
What is the primary reason dialyzer reuse programs require each patient to have their own dedicated dialyzer?
Answer: To prevent cross-contamination and bloodborne pathogen transmission between patients
Each patient must have their own dedicated dialyzer to prevent cross-contamination with bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Sharing dialyzers between patients is strictly prohibited regardless of reprocessing.
When using bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as a cleaning agent in dialyzer reprocessing, what is the primary hazard to the patient if residual bleach is not adequately removed?
Answer: Intravascular hemolysis
Residual sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in the blood compartment can cause intravascular hemolysis, destroying red blood cells and leading to hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinemia, and potentially renal tubular damage in any remaining kidney function. This is a serious and potentially fatal complication.
A dialyzer arrives at the reprocessing area and is found to have a crack in the header cap. What is the correct action?
Answer: Discard the dialyzer immediately without reprocessing
A cracked header cap compromises the structural integrity of the dialyzer and creates a potential pathway for contamination and blood leakage. The dialyzer must be discarded immediately—no reprocessing is appropriate for a physically damaged dialyzer.
How long can a reprocessed dialyzer typically be stored before it must be used or discarded?
Answer: 7 days
Most reprocessed dialyzers filled with germicide have a storage life of 7 days. After this period, the germicide may have degraded below effective concentrations, potentially allowing microbial growth inside the dialyzer.
Which AAMI standard specifically governs dialyzer reprocessing for hemodialysis?
Answer: AAMI RD52
ANSI/AAMI RD52 is the standard that specifically addresses the reuse of hemodialyzers, outlining requirements for cleaning, testing, germicide use, documentation, and quality assurance in dialyzer reprocessing programs.
A patient on a reuse program develops fever and rigors during dialysis using a reprocessed dialyzer. What is the most likely cause related to the reprocessing process?
Answer: Pyrogenic reaction from bacterial endotoxins in the dialyzer
Fever and rigors during dialysis with a reprocessed dialyzer suggest a pyrogenic reaction caused by bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) contaminating the dialyzer. This can occur if reprocessing water quality was substandard or if biofilm developed in the dialyzer.