Dialysis is a treatment method that takes over the kidney function of an individual. A dialysis machine, thereby, helps in this kind of treatment. Mainly, the dialysis machine is responsible for mixing and monitoring the dialysate (the fluid that helps in removing the unwanted waste from the blood). Also, the machine monitors the flow of the blood.
Safety
There lies a safety concern while making the use of a dialysis machine. The air may get into the blood tubing. To hinder this situation, blood tubings possess two air traps that are already built into them. Such air traps don’t allow air to get into the blood tubing.
Components
The following are the major components of a dialysis machine.
- The Heamodialyser or Dialyzer
- The Dialysis Membrane
- The Dialysate
Dialyzer
A dialyzer or artificial kidney is a part of the dialysis machine where the blood is filtered. Its core is made up of multiple tiny mesh tubes. The blood of the patient flows inside each of the tubes that already contain dialysate on the outside. The tiny pores in these tubes help the waste to move from the blood to the dialysate.
Side Effects
The following are the most common side effects of using a dialysis machine.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Sepsis (blood poisoning)
- Muscle cramps
- Itchy skin
- Irritation
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Loss of libido
- Bone and joint pain
- Anxiety
- Abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Hernia
- Weight gain
- Bone disease
- Fluid overload
Warnings
A dialysis machine should NOT be used in the following conditions.
- Marked intellectual disability
- Severe inflammatory bowel disease
- Acute active diverticulitis
- Active ischemic bowel disease
- Severe active psychotic disorder
- Abdominal abscess
- Documented type II ultrafiltration failure
