CCHT Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse 3

Question 1

What is the primary reason dialyzer reuse programs require each patient to have their own dedicated dialyzer?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination and bloodborne pathogen transmission between patients

Answer

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.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Intravascular hemolysis

Answer

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.

Question 3

A dialyzer arrives at the reprocessing area and is found to have a crack in the header cap. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the dialyzer immediately without reprocessing

Answer

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.

Question 4

How long can a reprocessed dialyzer typically be stored before it must be used or discarded?

Accepted Answer

7 days

Answer

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.

Question 5

Which AAMI standard specifically governs dialyzer reprocessing for hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

AAMI RD52

Answer

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.

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse 3