Chemical quality of hemodialysis water in Greece: A multicenter study

Chemical contaminants of purified hemodialysis water are currently drawing little attention in the literature compared to bacterial contamination of t reated water and dialysate and their impact on hemodialysis quality. Sample s of tap water and treated water from all 85 hemodialysis centers in Greece were tested for Al, Fe, F, Pb, Mn, Ni, Gel, Cu, Cr Zn, CI, and NO3 by the most appropriate method, Water hardness and conductivity levels, as well as formation concerning characteristics of the hemodialysis center and the wa ter purification system, were also obtained All of the hemodialysis centers used created water For chemical contaminants, the overall compliance of tr eated water to the Medical Standards ranged from 92.3% up to 100%, whereas the compliance of feed water samples to our national standards was 80.7%. W ater conductivity was below 15 mS/cm in 70% of the centers, while elevated hardness was Sound in feed water samples derived mainly from island regions . Hemodialysis centers equipped with antibacterial filters presented with w ater of better conductivity and decreased levels of nitrate and chloride. O ur results confirm that hemodialysis centers in Greece are provided with wa ter of satisfactory chemical quality; although chemical monitoring is essen tial in order to eliminate morbidity due to toxic reactions.