Is a method of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so.
The separation of low molecular weight compounds from high molecular weight components in solution by diffusion through a semipermeable membrane. Frequently utilized to remove salts, and to remove biological effectors (such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides, nucleotide phosphates, etc.) from polymeric molecules such as protein, DNA, or RNA. Commonly used membranes have a molecular weight cutoff (threshold) of around 10,000 Daltons, but other membrane pore sizes are available.
A procedure that filters out unwanted substances from the blood, usually in cases of renal failure.
A method of removing elevated levels of waste products and undesirable chemicals from the blood of patients with severe kidney failure. Blood can be continuously passed through an artificial kidney containing dialyzing fluid, or dialyzing fluid can be continuously introduced into and removed from the peritoneal cavity (abdomen) to “cleanse” the blood and restore it to a more normal composition.
The passage of a dissolved substance through a semipermeable membrane.
A procedure in which a membrane is used as a filter to separate soluble waste substances from the blood.
Process of removing toxic compounds from blood and body fluid using instrumentation, which allows for diffusion and filtration between solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane.
Use of an artificial machine to filter waste products from the blood when a person’s kidneys are unable to function, either temporarily or permanently.
Method, involving a semi-permeable membrane, used to separate smaller particles from larger ones in a liquid mixture.
Artificial procedure used to replace normal kidney filtering by using an external filtration system.
A medical therapy for eliminating toxic waste products that accumulate in the bloodstream because of inadequately functioning kidneys. Dialysis uses a membrane that permits different substances to diffuse or pass through at different rates, filtering and purifying the blood. Dialysis is necessary in cases of kidney failure. It is also used to remove drugs from the body after a poison is ingested or after a drug overdose.
A method of separating particles of different dimensions in a liquid mixture, using a thin semipermeable membrane whose pores are too small to allow the passage of large particles, such as proteins, but large enough to permit the passage of dissolved crystalline material. A solution of the mixture is separated from distilled water by the membrane; the solutes pass through the membrane into the water while the proteins, etc., are retained. The principle of dialysis is used in the artificial kidney.
Selective filtering of chemicals in a solution through a membrane, such as the wall of a tube made of special material.
A procedure used to filter off waste products from the blood and remove surplus fluid from the body in someone who has kidney failure. The process involves separating crystalloid (mostly minerals, electrolytes, etc.) and colloid substances from a solution by interposing a semi-permeable membrane between the solution and pure water. The crystalloid substances pass through the membrane into the water until a state of equilibrium, so far as the crystalloid substances are concerned, is established between the two sides of the membrane. The colloid substances do not pass through the membrane.
A therapeutic procedure for blood purification that serves as a substitute for renal function by eliminating fluids and waste products from the bloodstream. Dialysis treatment encompasses two distinct methods: hemodialysis, where an artificial kidney or dialyzer acts as the blood filter, and peritoneal dialysis, which utilizes the patient’s abdominal cavity (peritoneum) as the filtering mechanism.
Hemodialysis is a filtration technique employed to eliminate waste products from the blood and remove excess fluid from the body. It serves as a treatment for kidney failure, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to adequately perform their filtering function. During hemodialysis, blood is circulated through a specialized machine that filters it, removing toxins and balancing fluid levels before returning it to the body. This process helps maintain the delicate balance of electrolytes and remove waste substances that would typically be eliminated through healthy kidney function. Hemodialysis plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with kidney failure, providing them with a lifeline to manage their condition and sustain their overall health. Close monitoring and regular sessions of hemodialysis, often performed in a clinical setting, contribute to improved well-being and an enhanced quality of life for those affected by kidney failure.
On a daily basis, the kidneys perform the remarkable task of filtering approximately 1,500 liters of blood. They play a vital role in maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Throughout this intricate process, essential minerals and nutrients, including potassium, sodium, calcium, amino acids, glucose, and water, are efficiently reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, the kidneys facilitate the elimination of waste substances such as urea, excessive minerals, toxins, and certain medications through the production of urine. This sophisticated mechanism of filtration and reabsorption ensures the body’s internal environment remains optimally regulated. The kidneys’ remarkable capabilities contribute to overall health by preserving vital substances while efficiently removing waste products.
Dialysis serves as a vital intervention for individuals whose kidneys have suffered damage, either due to acute or chronic kidney failure. In the absence of dialysis, waste products accumulate in the blood, leading to an imbalance in electrolyte levels, which can pose life-threatening consequences. In cases of chronic kidney failure, patients may require dialysis multiple times per week, either for the duration of their lives or until they can undergo a kidney transplant. For acute kidney failure, dialysis is conducted more intensively until the kidneys regain normal function. By mimicking the kidney’s filtration function, dialysis aids in removing waste products and restoring electrolyte balance to maintain the overall well-being of individuals with impaired kidney function. The frequency and duration of dialysis sessions are determined based on the severity and nature of the kidney condition, providing a crucial lifeline for patients while they await potential kidney transplantation or recovery.
There are two primary methods of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In both procedures, the objective is to remove excess water and waste products from the blood. During hemodialysis, blood is directed through a machine that employs a specialized membrane. This membrane allows the transfer of excess water and waste substances into a fluid called dialysate, which is then discarded. On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis involves introducing a sterile dialysate solution into the abdominal cavity, where it absorbs waste materials and excess fluid from the bloodstream. After a designated dwell time, the used dialysate is drained, carrying away the accumulated waste products. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis offer effective means of facilitating the removal of waste substances and maintaining electrolyte balance in individuals with impaired kidney function. The choice of dialysis method depends on various factors, including the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Close monitoring and ongoing medical care are essential components of dialysis treatment to optimize its effectiveness and ensure the well-being of individuals undergoing this life-sustaining therapy.
Haemodialysis involves the passage of blood through an artificial kidney machine, where waste products are filtered out. This process typically needs to be performed three or four times a week, with each session lasting two to six hours. The artificial kidney machine utilizes specialized filters to effectively remove waste substances from the blood, restoring electrolyte balance and maintaining overall well-being. On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis utilizes the natural filtering properties of the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity. In this method, the abdominal cavity is filled with dialysate, a solution specifically designed to draw out waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. The dialysate is changed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness. Peritoneal dialysis can be carried out overnight or continuously throughout the day and night, offering flexibility and convenience to individuals undergoing this form of treatment. The choice between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis depends on various factors, including the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Both methods play critical roles in supporting individuals with impaired kidney function, helping them maintain optimal health and quality of life.
Both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, while effective in managing kidney failure, come with potential risks and complications. One significant concern is the potential disruption of body chemistry and fluid balance, which can lead to complications. Dialysis aims to restore equilibrium, but meticulous monitoring is necessary to prevent imbalances that may arise during treatment. Additionally, peritoneal dialysis carries a specific risk of infection in the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. The introduction of dialysate into the peritoneum creates an environment that can be susceptible to infection. Diligent adherence to strict hygiene practices and following prescribed procedures are essential in minimizing the risk of peritoneal infection. Close collaboration with healthcare professionals, adherence to recommended protocols, and regular medical evaluations are vital in mitigating potential complications associated with both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. By actively managing these risks, healthcare teams work to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals undergoing dialysis treatment.
Isolating dissolved substances by passing them through a semipermeable membrane via filtration.