Cleaning, Storage, and Repeated Use of Twin Coil Dialyzing Units

Abstract

Hemodialysis for chronic renal failure is an expensive means of prolonging life.1With twin coil dialyzers the cost per dialysis is less if the coil and arterial set is reused. In the Madison, Wis, and Portland, Ore, Veterans Administration Hospital dialysis units, we have reduced the cost of expendable items to about $12 per dialysis by cleaning and reusing coils. The method is simple, safe, and does not alter the effectiveness of the coil. Methods.— We use either the Travenol 100-liter tank single canister model or the Travenol recirculating single pass 120-liter tank unit (RSP), together with the Travenol 190 twin coil. Cleaning and Storage.— After dialysis, the coil is removed and placed on its side in the canister of the RSP or the half-drained 100-liter tank. One liter of sterile normal sodium chloride solution containing 10 mg heparin sodium displaces 2 units of blood into bottles containing anticoagulant