Does anybody find it strange that fmc clinics have different bicarb standards?some clinics I have have 52ms others 51ms.Shouldn't we all be running the same if we are on the same concentrate type.Does anyone know if there is a standard for cobe 45x?Thanks

both fresenius and rockwell have written statements making NO RECOMMENDATION regarding the testing of reconstituted bicarb for conductivity, specific gravity or pH. they reference aami rd61:2000 for testing final dialysate. both companies statements are virtually identical, word for word. that's why they won't give you any numbers anymore. the onus is on YOU to validate whatever testing process you chose to use. and don't start with the arguments that you are better off knowing it's good juice before you send it out, because i agree with that stand. but after all these years, i have given up hope for common sense amongst the surveyors and now just pull out my letter when they ask why we don't test the bicarb anymore. "cause i don't have to" is much easier than trying to convince some that many years of testing and the "manufacturer's used to provide us with numbers" should be validation enough for the process. but it's not. if you use single treatment packages in your bulk mixing system, be prepared to show them where on the package it says you can, because it doesn't, even though we all know it is exactly the same bicarb as is in the bulk mixing packages....