COMPARATIVE-STUDY ON REUSED HEMODIALYSIS MEMBRANES

Data have shown that on the internal surface of reused haemodialysis m embranes complement elements of plasma proteins, cells and cellular de bris from the patient's blood are deposited. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of reuse on the haemodialysis membrane surface. Original and reused haemodialysis membranes were studied by the metho ds of light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy immuno-hist ochemistry and X-ray spectrum element analysis. With reuse the membran e surface becomes uneven, and its continuity may break. Plasma protein and cellular elements are deposited on the damaged surface following continued reuse. Presence of IgM deposits were confirmed by immunohist ochemical observation. Moreover, following reuse the X-ray spectrum an alysis verified structural changes in the haemodialysis tube compared to the control material; accumulated aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, s ulphur and chlorine were detected on the wall of the dialysis membrane