Dialyzer Basics
This part of the dialyzer acts as the semipermeable membrane.
What are hollow fibers
This process removes small solutes like urea.
What is diffusion
This reaction occurs in the first few minutes and can be life‑threatening.
What is a Type A reaction?
Dialysate is made from treated water, acid concentrate, and this buffer.
What is bicarbonate?
UF occurs when this side of the membrane has higher pressure.
What is the blood side?
This material holds the fibers in place and keeps them open.
What is polyurethane potting material?
This process removes middle molecules by dragging them with water.
What is convection?
This sterilant is a common cause of Type A reactions.
What is ethylene oxide?
Dialysate outside safe conductivity limits is sent here.
What is bypass (the drain)?
This pressure difference drives ultrafiltration.
What is TMP (transmembrane pressure)?
Dialysate flows in this direction to maximize diffusion.
What is countercurrent flow
This process removes solutes by sticking them to the membrane surface.
What is adsorption?
This immune process is believed to cause Type B reactions.
What is complement activation?
Low conductivity alarms are most often caused by this.
What is an empty acid or bicarb jug?
These chambers ensure equal dialysate in and out in volumetric UF systems.
What are balancing chambers?
These color‑coded parts connect the bloodlines to the dialyzer.
What are the arterial (red) and venous (blue) headers?
A sieving coefficient of 0.5 means this percentage of solute passes.
What is 50%?
This symptom is a classic sign of a Type A reaction.
What is a sense of impending doom?
Dialysate temperature is normally kept between these values.
What is 35–37°C?
UF pumps are usually located in this part of the dialysate path.
What is the used dialysate line?
This type of membrane is more biocompatible and adsorbs more proteins.
What are synthetic membranes?
This term describes the highest diffusive clearance a membrane can achieve.
What is KoA?
Type B reactions usually occur within this time frame.
What is 15–30 minutes after treatment begins?
Dialysate that is too warm can cause this dangerous complication.
What is hemolysis?
A rapidly rising TMP may indicate this problem.
What is clotting in the dialyzer?