Water Treatment and Dialysis Equipment Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of reverse osmosis (RO) in the dialysis water treatment system?

Answer: Remove dissolved ionic contaminants including heavy metals

Reverse osmosis removes dissolved ionic contaminants such as aluminum, fluoride, and heavy metals by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure.

Which chemical contaminant in municipal water poses the greatest risk of hemolytic anemia in dialysis patients if not removed?

Answer: Chloramine

Chloramine, used in municipal water disinfection, causes oxidative hemolytic anemia if not adequately removed before dialysis water reaches the patient.

What is the AAMI recommended maximum level for bacteria in dialysis water?

Answer: 100 CFU/mL

AAMI standards specify that dialysis water should contain no more than 100 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) of bacteria.

What happens to the water softener resin during the regeneration process?

Answer: Sodium ions replace accumulated calcium and magnesium ions via a salt brine flush

During regeneration, a concentrated sodium chloride (brine) solution flushes through the resin, replacing accumulated calcium and magnesium with sodium ions, restoring softening capacity.

How often should the total chlorine level in dialysis water be tested at minimum?

Answer: Daily before each patient treatment

Total chlorine must be tested daily before each patient treatment shift, as breakthrough can occur rapidly and cause patient harm if not detected promptly.

What is the maximum allowable endotoxin level in standard hemodialysis water per AAMI standards?

Answer: 0.25 EU/mL

AAMI standards allow a maximum endotoxin level of 0.25 EU/mL in standard hemodialysis water, with stricter limits of 0.03 EU/mL for ultra-pure water.