Why Surveillance is Important – Tests Accuracy of Pump Flow

When one sets the pump on a hemodialysis machine, one naturally assumes that the pump will deliver what it is set at. However, myriad factors can alter the pump flow so the flow being actually delivered to the patient is not the flow the pump is set at. These factors include the following:

• Negative pressure effects of the roller pump
• Condition of the access
• Size of the needles
• Placement of the needles
• Kinked or occluded tubing
• Calibration of dialysis machine
• Change in type of dialysis tubing
• Calibration of the Flow/dilution Sensors

By measuring delivered blood flow, surveillance with the Transonic HD03 Monitor assures that actual Delivered Pump Flow is that which the hemodialysis machine is set at. If it is not within 10 percent of the pump setting, the factors above can be investigated before hemodialysis is initiated.

Reference: HD03Quality Assurance(DL-160-fly) RevA 2013