Hello,
we experienced broken fibres in a new dialyzer for the first time in a long time. The machine performed it's function and reported blood in the dialysate. My question is, what do you do with your machine? We HAD been restringing new lines and dialyzer, finishing the run with that patient, BUT, bleaching the dialysis machine before the next patient's run.
There has been a suggestion made that the hansen connectors may still be contaminated internally from being removed from the leaky dialyzer, attaching to the rinse post, and then eventually attaching to the new patient dialyzer.
What is the current action plan at your facilities in processing your dialysis machine after an internal blood leak??

You could submerge the hansons in a mild bleach solution, then resubmerge in RO water. That would make sure nothing nasty is hiding around the hanson springs. Of course do a bleach disinfect on the machine. Keep track of the Lot # on the dialyzer. Clinical services always wants details. Some clinics fill out an adverse clinical event form.

CDC says that "in single-pass hemodialysis machines, the internal fluid pathways are not subject to contamination" I do agree however that cleaning of the hansen ports is probably a good idea. (cdc.gov)

We use Auroras and have been advised by our biomed department that the hansen connectors Orings can not be guaranteed to seal 100% of the contaminated dailysate from the rest of the connector and they can not be disassembled for disinfection, therefore, they recommend replacement.

BaxterBoy, I have worked with 350s,450s,1550s, and Tinas, Baxter always recommends replacement of almost everything and I will bet you a beer, what you need is on back order.

BRUTUS, you are correct, but they say the same thing about Fresenius hansen connectors. They only change their story with Bellco hansen connectors because they can be completely disassembled and reassembled, and my biomeds will guarantee the disinfection (what ever that means)

Bellco's Hansen's have to be disassembled. Those of you familiar with them, you will notice they are located right below the blood lines/blood pumps. So if there is a blood leak, fine take them apart. But what about a blood spill? I've seen this happen many times over the years. With a spill and the location of the Hansen's you have no choice but to pull the machine and take them apart, or face the consequences.

quote:

Originally posted by BRUTUS:
BaxterBoy, I have worked with 350s,450s,1550s, and Tinas, Baxter always recommends replacement of almost everything and I will bet you a beer, what you need is on back order.

Brutus, Can you tell us in what document or manual you found "Baxter always recommends replacement of almost everything?" I can't seem to find that anywhere.

I think it's in the Meridian manual. Oh wait,...that was replaced!

BRUTUS,
ROCK ON!!!
and drink one, for me.