We recently switched to Gambro Polyflux 10LR dialyzers. The staff complains that when pre-processing a new (dry) cell on the Renatron, they get a Pressure Fail alarm. Once a cell is wet, and run on the Renatron, it passes. We are running in Mode CH, which is supposed to be used for dialyzers w/ KUF of 8-15 (the 10LR is 14). Minntech says to talk to Gambro, and of course Gambro says to talk to Minntech. Anyone run into this before, and/or have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

jeff,

I am just guessing here but it sounds like the membrane may be rather hydrophobic and the fibers are collapsed and are taking a long time become wet and open up.

Try putting the dialyzers through a pre-clean cycle first which will give them more time to become wet and open up.

Have you noticed that your initial volumes are a good bit lower than what they should be?

Chuck

Just rinse the dialyzer with RO water for 15 seconds first this will expand the fibers and get rid of the pressure fails.

I'm with Chuck and Ghaa on this one. I'd just rinse them well (assuming you have means to do this i.e. rinse station) and let the fibers soak up some water. I'm not sure if we use the 10LR dialyzers, but if we do I'll see if our reuse tech can give me more info on his technique.