Hemodialysis Coil Reuse

Abstract

An effective coil reuse procedure can substantially reduce the cost of long-term hemodialysis treatment. A simple, safe, and inexpensive method is described which permits coil saving for at least nine reuses. Sterile water is infused rapidly through the blood path. The tubing is then sealed and cut. The coil is stored in a 27% sodium chloride solution. Chemical and bacteriological monitoring for more than one year (3,200 hemodialyses) has revealed no compromise of sterility or membrane integrity. Significant fibrin deposits occurred in only 2% of the reused coils, and contamination due to errors in technique accounted for less than 1% of discarded coils. Use of this method resulted in a significant reduction in the cost of the most expensive disposable item used in hemodialysis.