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Continuing Education

Water Treatment for Hemodialysis - Updated to Include the Latest AAMI Standards for Dialysate (RD52: 2004) - Download article and take CE posttest
Rebecca L. Amato

While nurses may not routinely service the water treatment system or mix the dialysate, they are responsible for understanding all the clinical ramifications of water and dialysate for HD and helping to piece together the entire treatment picture. Although historically the water treatment system has been in the technicians’ domain, knowing the technical aspects is important in order for the entire team to work together toward the patients’ ultimate well being. This article describes the composition of water treatment systems for hemodialysis as well as the monitoring and testing necessary to assure that both water and dialysate are safe for patient use.

Rebecca L. Amato, BSN, RN, works for DaVita as the Area Clinical Educator and Quality Manager in the Washington state area. She is a past president of her ANNA Greater Puget Sound Chapter 503, and currently volunteers with the chapter coordinating vendor sponsorship for educational events. Rebecca has also acted as the chair of the Corporate/Government Special Interest Group of ANNA. Rebecca sat on the AAMI Renal Disease and Detoxification board from 1995-2002. She has 21 years in the nephrology field.