How do you clean the headers of dialyzer after you have removed the header cap? Do you scrape the header with the cap?, use strile gauze to wipe the surface?, use treated water?.....and If you use treated water do you have it coming through the blood chamber from the opposite end and use a higher pressure water on the opposite end?

Has anyone been sited by the state for using the header cap to clean the dialyzer header?

Thanks.

You should never scrape the header of the dialyzer. This may damage the fibers of the dialyzers. You can use a gentle flow of water over the top of the dialyzer to remove any clots. You can use a 4x4 on the cap that holds the o ring. I will send you a procedure to the email you listed. I hope this will help you out.

We scrape the header with the cap under a flowing stream of RO water and have NEVER had a problem with damaging the fibers.

When removing the cap to clean the clots it is vary important to disinfect the cap, the �O� ring and the end of the dialyzer before reassembling. If these parts are not disinfected and there are any bacterial in the water the bacteria will be protected from the disinfectant, by the �O� ring during the normal disinfection cycle and allowed to grow. When the dialyzer is used for a patient treatment the pressures in the dialyzer will allow the release of the organisms into the blood stream.
I would suggest that every one read the latest AAMI guideline on Dialyzer Reuse

quote:

Originally posted by LeeE:
When removing the cap to clean the clots it is vary important to disinfect the cap, the �O� ring and the end of the dialyzer before reassembling. If these parts are not disinfected and there are any bacterial in the water the bacteria will be protected from the disinfectant, by the �O� ring during the normal disinfection cycle and allowed to grow. When the dialyzer is used for a patient treatment the pressures in the dialyzer will allow the release of the organisms into the blood stream.
I would suggest that every one read the latest AAMI guideline on Dialyzer Reuse

What method of disinfection do you use? Renalin is doable for oring, cap, and header immersion, but what do you use if using formaldehyde?

quote:

Originally posted by danmakad:
What method of disinfection do you use? Renalin is doable for oring, cap, and header immersion, but what do you use if using formaldehyde?

Bleach.