THE USE OF HEATED CITRIC-ACID FOR DIALYZER REPROCESSING

Dialyzer reprocessing with heated water (100 to 105 degrees C) for 20 h can be used safely in lieu of chemical methods for disinfection, All infective agents including spores are destroyed and depyrogenation ma y occur, However, these temperatures may result in structural damage t o the dialyzer, limiting reuse, Dialyzer reprocessing by using 1,5% ci tric acid heated to 95 degrees C for 20 h is an alternative method tha t produces equivalent microbiologic effects. Citric acid is well known as a disinfecting agent used for dialysis equipment, Because there is little structural damage to dialyzer components at 95 degrees C, reus e statistics are improved (mean reuse increased to 12.8), Both small a nd large molecule clearances and the sieving coefficient for protein a re insignificantly altered by the process. Whereas the procedure is re latively simple, quality-assurance indicators are essential, The metho d has appeal because it avoids the use of chemical germicides, However , at present it has only been tested thoroughly in polysulfone dialyze rs with heat-resistant polycarbonate casings and polyurethane resin, T he clinical experience is favorable.