Health Technology Assessment Reports, 1986. Number 11. The Reuse of Hemodialysis Devices Labeled 'For Single Use Only'

摘要

Reuse or multiple use of hemodialysis devices labeled by the manufacturers for single use only is the practice by which dialyzers and in some instances blood lines, transducer filters, and dialyzer caps are reprocessed and used for more than one dialysis treatment. Reprocessing begins with an initial rinsing of the dialyzer after dialysis. The dialyzer is then cleaned and disinfected. Prior to subsequent use, the disinfectant is rinsed. The actual reprocessing procedure and the number of reuses tend to vary among facilities. The safe and effective reuse of hemodialyzers and filter sets is dependent on the quality of the reprocessing. It appears that in the majority of these patients no significant difference in complication rate has been observed, yet no adequate clinical trials have been performed to address either the short or long-term safety and efficacy of the practice of single versus multiple use of hemodialyzers, blood lines, transducer filters, or dialyzer caps. The greatest risk associated with reuse involves infection. While some facilities that reuse dialyzers provide informed consent and freedom of choice, others do not.