Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

80%

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Formaldehyde (4%)

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Colorimetric test using chromotropic acid or equivalent

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Dialyzer Reprocessing and Reuse