Environmental benefits of adjusting haemodialysis concentrate solution

Key learning point:

Switching to the 44 to 1 concentration cans is a relatively easy process at negligible cost and may be a simpler method of reducing concentrate solution storage without procuring and maintaining a more costly central acid delivery system.

Setting/Patient Group: Dialysis Unit

Issue to be addressed:

Haemodialysis requires a concentrated acidic solution which is usually created using a 34:1 ratio of dilution (34 parts water: 1 part concentrate). Renal technicians wanted to explore environmental impacts of switching to a 44:1 ratio of dilution.

Intervention:

An alternative acidic solution with a concentration of 44:1 achieved the same final composition (as the 34:1 ratio dilution) after some minor technical adjustments to the dialysis machine. This could also be supplied in a smaller can (4.7litres rather than 6 litres)
In collaboration with the the manufacturer BBraun, advice was sought on the minor technical changes required by the dialysis machine and to develop the specific solution with a 44:1 concentration in the smaller can (for the same cost).

Outcome:

Social