Dialysate Meter

Dialysate Meter

Healthy kidneys produce urine through which excess salts and toxins are thrown out of our bodies. When their functioning goes below 10%, they cannot produce urine, and this increases the presence of salts and toxins in our body. In this case, patients undergo a renal replacement therapy known as hemodialysis, which helps filter blood waste and toxins, remove extra fluid, as well as strike a balance between electrolytes in the body. This is done with the help of a dialyzer machine along with dialysate.

Dialysate is a dialysis fluid made of pure water, and acetate, bicarbonate, and electrolytes. Dialysate solution pulls toxins from the blood, and hence is a crucial part of the treatment. This dialysate solution must be pure, and a dialysate meter is used to check its purity and prevent contamination. Dialysate meters, also known as dialysate conductivity meters, maintain the purity and safety of dialysate—a specialized dialysis fluid used during haemodialysis treatment.

At Cannon Water, we provide dialysate meters made by reputed manufacturers such as Myron L among others. These meters have been widely used by hemodialysis professionals for over 40 years. They are compact-sized and designed to measure the electrical conductivity of dialysate solutions. Their results help dialysis professionals analyze the purity, performance, and accuracy of the dialysate concentrate before performing the process.

Working Principle of Dialysate Meter

These devices check the dialysate conductivity, pH, ORP, temperature, and if the solution is mixed well before the treatment. Digital dialysate meters comprise electrodes and conductivity cell, sensors, display screen, user-friendly menu with listed parameters, memory storage, and calibration options. The internal sensors sense the sample placed by operator in the device, thus preventing contamination of dialysate by the meter.

When measuring any parameter, the electrodes must be immersed in the dialysate solution. Once done an electrical current is passed through the solution between the electrodes. The rate at which the current passes through the solution is based on its electrical conductivity. This electrical conductivity and resistance are sensed and measured by the sensor and displayed on the screen. The sensor sends this data to a digital processing unit within the device.

Parameters Digital Dialysate Meters Can Measure

Our dialysate meters are designed to measure and analyse critical parameters that impact the quality and safety of dialysate used in hemodialysis treatment. Most models can measure six to seven parameters. While the number of parameters vary with the model, here are the key ones these devices measure.

  • Conductivity:Conductivity measurements play a crucial role in monitoring dialysate quality. Maintaining the appropriate conductivity levels is essential to ensure effective    hemodialysis treatment.
  • Resistivity:Resistivity measurements provide insights into the purity and quality of water. Lower resistivity values suggest higher ion concentrations, which can impact the performance of dialysate in hemodialysis.
  • TDS (Total Dissolved Solids):TDS measurements are indicative of the purity of the solution. Higher TDS values may signal the presence of impurities or dissolved solids, highlighting the importance of maintaining dialysate quality. A consistent TDS level is crucial for effective toxin removal.
  • pH or Hydrogen Ion Concentration:pH measurements evaluate the acidity or alkalinity of the dialysate. Maintaining the appropriate pH level is essential to ensure patient safety during hemodialysis.

pH monitoring affects dialysate quality and contributes to patient comfort. Properly balanced pH levels reduce the risk of discomfort during treatment.

  • Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): ORP measurements assess the oxidation-reduction potential of the dialysate. This parameter provides insights into the dialysate's ability to maintain a balanced redox environment during treatment.

Monitoring ORP levels is critical for effective hemodialysis.

  • Free Chlorine Equivalent (FCE™):FCE™ measurements help monitor the presence of free chlorine in the dialysate. This parameter is vital for disinfection procedures, contributing to patient safety. 

Proper assessment of free chlorine equivalent levels ensures the effectiveness of disinfection processes, reducing the risk of contamination during hemodialysis.

  • Calibration for Accuracy: You can ensure the accuracy of conductivity and resistivity measurements by regularly calibrating the meter using certified standards. This practice guarantees precise readings and reliable data. You can calibrate our devices simply using the right button on it.

Beneficial Features of Dialysate Meters

Our selection features single and dual-range dialysate meters. They feature a cup, which can be used to measure the purity of dialysate solutions. Users only have to fill the cup with dialysate and press the button to know its purity. Here are some other beneficial features of these devices.

  • Four-Electrode Conductivity Cell Technology: These meters are equipped with advanced four-electrode conductivity cell technology, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. This ensures exact conductivity measurements, minimizing errors and providing dependable data for dialysate assessment.
  • Integrated Cell Cup and Sensors: Our dialysate meters feature an integrated cell cup and sensors that work together to prevent contamination and maintain measurement consistency. Integrating these components ensures that readings are not affected by external factors, leading to more accurate and trustworthy results.
  • Easy identification of purity level: Most of our models have an expanded scale of 11-15 milliohms and is usually used for testing the purity of final dialysate. There is a green-colored band above the meter, where the user can check for visual confirmation of the purity.                                                                                   
  • Full Four-Digit LCD Display: Thesemeters boast a full four-digit LCD screen with superior resolution, making reading and interpreting measurements effortless. This makes it convenient for users to monitor important parameters such as conductivity, TDS, and more.
  • Memory Storage: A notable feature of these meters is their memory storage capability, which can archive approximately 100 readings. Each reading is time-stamped and dated, thus facilitating data tracking and analysis over time. This function is invaluable for healthcare professionals who must maintain comprehensive records of dialysate quality.
  • Real-Time Clock: This ensures that all measurements and data records are accurately time and date-stamped. Accurate time and date records are essential for regulatory compliance and quality control.
  • Factory Programmed Solution Models: Most of our dialysate meters come with factory-programmed solution models tailored explicitly for dialysate and hemodialysis water quality testing. These pre-programmed settings simplify testing procedures, ensuring that healthcare professionals obtain accurate and consistent results effortlessly.
  • Keypad Calibratable: The keypad calibratable feature on our meters allows users to calibrate the device easily, adjusting maintain measurement accuracy. Calibration through the keypad is user-friendly, ensuring that the meter remains precise and reliable over time.
  • Auto Ranging Conductivity/TDS/Resistivity: Automatic ranging conductivity/TDS/resistivity is a valuable feature that guarantees precise measurements across a broad range of values. This capability ensures that the meter can adapt to various dialysate conditions and provide accurate data regardless of the conductivity or TDS range.

These features collectively make a dialysate meter a versatile and precise tool for monitoring and maintaining the quality of dialysate and hemodialysis water, which is critical for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Guidelines for Maintenance and Calibration:

It is necessary to follow regular while our devices are quite low on maintenance, a periodic one is necessary  maintenance and calibration of the dialysate meter to ensure its readings are accurate and reliable. Here are detailed guidelines to follow:

Maintenance:

  • Perform regular visual inspections of sensors and components for wear or damage.
  • Keep a detailed track of all maintenance activities, including dates and results.
  • Ensure all personnel involved in hemodialysis are trained in meter use and maintenance.
  • Troubleshoot any irregular readings or malfunctions using manufacturer-provided procedures.

Calibration:

  • Use high-quality calibration solutions with known conductivity, pH, and TDS values.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for calibration frequency.
  • Calibrate temperature sensors and pH electrodes before each treatment session.
  • Maintain accurate records of all calibration activities.

Applications of Dialysate Meters

Various models of our digital dialysate meters are used for the following applications: 

  • Dialysate Preparation
  • Dialysate Quality Assurance
  • Water Treatment for Hemodialysis
  • System/Equipment Disinfection

Whether you're involved in dialysate preparation, quality assurance, water quality control, system disinfection, equipment calibration, effluent monitoring, or wastewater management, our meters are the tools you can rely on.

At Cannon Water, we offer a range of dialysate meters designed to meet the specific needs of hemodialysis professionals. When you choose Cannon Water, you're not just investing in equipment; you're investing in the wellbeing of patients and the success of your healthcare operations. Explore our range of dialysate meters and discover the precision, reliability, and commitment to quality that defines Cannon Water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dialysate Meters

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding dialysate meters answered by our experts:

1.      What does a dialysate meter measure?

A dialysate meter is used to measure the acetate or bicarbonate solution for hemodialysis treatment.

2.      What is the pH level of the dialysate solution?

The pH level of the dialysate solution ranges between 5.3 to 8.2.

3.      What is the acceptable range for dialysate conductivity?

The conductivity of the dialysate solution is measured in siemens. The acceptable range of dialysate conductivity ranges between 12-16 mS/cm.

4.      What are the aqueous parameters tested by these dialysate meters?

Dialysate meters provided by us can test up to seven aqueous parameters – conductivity, TDS, resistivity, pH, free chlorine equivalent (FCE TM), ORP, and temperature.

5.      Is automatic temperature compensation available with dialysate meters?

Yes, automatic temperature compensation is available with Models D1 and D2. They provide temperature compensation automatic to 25°C/77°F for samples 10-71°C/50-160°F.

6.      Can I calibrate the digital dialysate meter by myself?

Yes, you can calibrate digital dialysate meters D-4 and D-6 as they have calibratable keypads. In addition, you can easily calibrate D-1 and D-2 models using finger-adjustable internal trimmers.

7.      Can these dialysate meters store readings?

Yes, they can. In fact, Myron D-4 and D-6 meters can store up to 100 readings with date and time stamps.

8.      What is the purpose of the final dialysate?

Dialysate solution is a combination of different salts like bicarbonate, water, electrolytes, etc. This solution intends to remove all the impurities present in the blood due to malfunctioning of the kidneys through the process of hemodialysis.

9.      Can a digital dialysate meter measure additional parameters beyond conductivity and pH?

Yes, Many modern digital dialysate meters can measure multiple parameters, including temperature, TDS, resistivity, ORP, and FCE™. These additional measurements enhance the comprehensive assessment of dialysate quality.

10.    Can a digital dialysate meter be used in clinic applications, or is it only for laboratory and research testing?

Digital dialysate meters are typically designed for laboratory and research testing purposes. For clinic applications, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer or use devices approved explicitly for clinical use.

At Cannon Water Technology, we strive to develop the best quality products to meet your application requirements. We understand how a dialysate meter is essential for hemodialysis treatment. Therefore, keeping human health as a priority, we source these devices from one of the leading brands Myron L. If you have any queries regarding our dialysate meter or the buying process, then please feel free to reach out to us. Our customer support team will guide you through the process.