Analyzing the Relationship between Dialysate Flow Rate Stability and Hemodialysis Machine Efficiency

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by impaired kidney function, leading to disruptions in metabolism, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. Hemodialysis serves as a supportive therapy for individuals with CKD, prolonging life but unable to fully restore kidney function. Factors influencing urea and creatinine levels in hemodialysis patients include blood flow velocity, dialysis duration, and dialyzer selection. This research aims to establish a standard for calculating the dialysate flow rate, thereby enhancing dialysis efficiency. The study employs a pre-experimental "one group post-test" design, lacking baseline measurements and randomization, although a control group was utilized. The design's weakness lies in the absence of an initial condition assessment, making conclusive results challenging. Measurement comparisons between the module and the instrument yielded a 5.30% difference, while the difference between the hemodialysis machine and standard equipment was 4.02%. Furthermore, six module measurements against three comparison tools showed a 0.17% difference for the hemodialysis machine with standard equipment, and a 0.18% difference for the module with standard equipment, with a 0.23% discrepancy between the two. Further analysis is necessary to understand the clinical significance and implications of these measurement variations on overall dialysis efficacy

Keywords

• hemodialisis, dialysate, flow rate, flow sensor