Final answer:
The criteria for discarding a reuse dialyizer include diminished filtration efficiency, reduced filtration rate, and the presence of byproducts of red blood cell breakdown. A dialyzer must be discarded when it can no longer safely and effectively filter waste products from the blood. Dialysis remains a temporary solution until a possible kidney transplant, as waste constantly builds up in the bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criteria for discarding a reuse dialyzer include factors such as the dialyzer's filtration efficiency, the filtration rate, and the presence of byproducts of red blood cell breakdown. Essentially, when a dialyzer can no longer maintain adequate filtration performance or exhibits signs of significant wear, such as compromised membrane integrity, it should be discarded. In addition, the appearance of byproducts from the breakdown of red blood cells within the dialyzer indicates that the membrane could be allowing larger molecules through, which compromises the safety and effectiveness of the dialysis procedure.
Dialysis machines are used by patients with kidney illnesses to remove harmful waste products like urea from the blood. The blood passes through a semipermeable membrane in the dialyzer, which separates it from the dialysate. This membrane should be permeable to molecules like urea while being impermeable to larger components such as red blood cells. The concentration of solutes is typically higher in the blood than in the fresh dialysate, which facilitates the diffusion process necessary for effective waste removal.
Production of less than 50 mL/day of urine is called oliguria, and continued declines in urine output may indicate worsening kidney function, necessitating the need for dialysis or even consideration for kidney transplant as a more permanent solution. If the dialyzer becomes less effective at removing waste, a new dialyzer is required to ensure the patient receives the best possible dialysis treatment.