Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the primary risk of reusing dialyzers?

1. Increased cost

2. Decreased efficacy

3. Potential for infection

4. Longer treatment time

The correct answer is: Potential for infection

The primary risk of reusing dialyzers is the potential for infection. Dialyzers, or artificial kidneys, are designed to filter waste products from the blood in patients undergoing dialysis. When dialyzers are reused, they may not be properly cleaned and sterilized between uses, which can lead to the presence of residual blood or contaminants. This residual material creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, significantly increasing the risk of infections in patients. Infections can complicate the patient’s health status, leading to serious complications, including sepsis, a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. The risk of infection is a significant concern that must be rigorously controlled in any dialysis setting, which is why strict protocols regarding the reuse of equipment are enforced. Other factors, such as increased cost, decreased efficacy, and longer treatment time, may be relevant considerations in the overall context of dialysis practices; however, the immediate and critical health risk posed by potential infections is the most pressing concern with the reuse of dialyzers.