Reprocessing' is the process that takes place in order to reuse a dialyzer safely for the same patient.
Reused dialyzers are safe and effective if all standards and requirements are followed.
The water that is used to rinse them is treated, the chemicals that are used are tested to make sure they are strong enough to sterilize the dialyzer, and the dialyzer is tested before each treatment to make sure all of the chemicals have been removed. The performance of the dialyzers is measured before each treatment to make sure the dialyzers are able to remove fluid and wastes. There are several agencies that either set standards for reprocessing dialyzers or monitor the performance of dialysis facilities in meeting the standards. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation AAMI is one of the organizations that sets standards for dialysis units to follow for reprocessing. All units are required to have a 'Complaint Investigation Record' that keeps track of patient and staff complaints related to reprocessing.