What is the approved AAMI pH range for dialysate?

What is the approved AAMI pH range for dialysate?

• A. 6.5-7.5
• B. 7.0-7.8
• C. 6.0-7.0
• D. 6.9-7.6

Answer: (D)

Dialysate pH is kept near neutral to avoid shifting the patient’s acid-base balance during dialysis and to protect the dialysis circuit and tissues. The approved range is 6.9 to 7.6 because this window is close enough to blood pH to prevent major acidosis or alkalosis while ensuring the bicarbonate-based dialysate works safely. If the pH is too low, there’s a risk of acidosis, hemolysis, and irritation of the dialysis membrane. If it’s too high, metabolic alkalosis can occur and there can be electrolyte instability. Keeping the dialysate within 6.9 to 7.6 maintains compatibility with the patient’s blood and the bicarbonate therapy used during treatment.

Dialysate pH is kept near neutral to avoid shifting the patient’s acid-base balance during dialysis and to protect the dialysis circuit and tissues. The approved range is 6.9 to 7.6 because this window is close enough to blood pH to prevent major acidosis or alkalosis while ensuring the bicarbonate-based dialysate works safely. If the pH is too low, there’s a risk of acidosis, hemolysis, and irritation of the dialysis membrane. If it’s too high, metabolic alkalosis can occur and there can be electrolyte instability. Keeping the dialysate within 6.9 to 7.6 maintains compatibility with the patient’s blood and the bicarbonate therapy used during treatment.