HEMODIALYSIS BASICS
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The Fluid Monitor
The purpose of the fluid monitor is to prepare dialysate and continuously pass it through the dialyzer and out to drain.
Pure or ultrapure water is taken into the machine and mixed with acid and bicarbonate concentrates.
The fluid is monitored to ensure the concentration of electrolytes is correct. It is then warmed to body temperature and
passed via the dialysate lines to the dialyzer.
The amount of fluid removed in the dialyzer is measured and controlled and the waste fluid is passed to the drain.
The functions of the fluid unit are:
1. To produce dialysate in the correct concentration and at the right temperature
2. To pass the fluid through the dialyzer at a continuous controlled flow
3. To monitor and control fluid removal
4. To monitor the dialysate for problems
The Dialysate
As well as removing waste products and fluid from the blood,
the dialysate corrects the imbalance of various electrolytes
within the body.
This is achieved by adding these electrolytes to the dialysate.
The fluid monitor mixes water with concentrates taken
from one or two canisters or cartridges. By varying the
concentration of electrolytes in the concentrate, the
imbalance can be corrected (A and B concentrates).
Some solutes will move from the blood into the dialysate
whilst others will move in the opposite direction.
Dialysate out
Dialysate in
Blood in
Blood out
Waste products
Excess fluid
Electrolytes
Bicarbonate
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