trying to better understand access flow testing

[sullidog]

Our new center does monthly access flow testing. I would like to understand it better. I know any number 600 or above is good and anything below requires a fistulagram. I'm just curious of how acurate they really are? Yesterday they did one on me and mine came back 1787 and last month it was 2000. The clinical manager said the reason why my numbers are so hi is because I have hi cardeo output. How does this relate to the access? I'm not understand the scale they use and would just like some general info.
Thanks.

[sullidog]

and by the way I have a straight graft.

[boswife]

hoping you get some answers here.  I was trying to find out what the "recirculation" test is all about as well.  No answers

[lmunchkin]

Not sure Sulli, but I believe it is where they swap the needles. Arterial goes to venous and visversa.  So they can determine whether flow is adequate I believe.  Like I say, Im not sure, but I think someone with knowledge about it will answer!  I believe it is a test more common for graphs than fistulas, but not sure on that either!

Guess I shouldnt assume that, huh? 

Boswife, not sure on recirculation test either, but would think that maybe would have to do with Blood Flow Rate, but there I go with assumptions!
Im sure Im wrong on both accounts, but just trying to analyze from a logical common sense approach. "TEEEE HEEEE!!!
Like I have either!!!!!

lmunchkin
 

Can't say I don't try

[sullidog]

Yes, it is more common to do with grafts, that's about all I know, lol.

[boswife]

   Nope cant say ya dont try   

[Riki]

I have it done every few months.  They did it when I had a line, and they do it now that I have a fistula.  All I really know is that too high a rate could be bad for your heart, and too low could mean problems with your access.

Recirculation is the percentage of your clean blood that's being cleaned over and over again.. I think.. sometimes, if your needles are too close or if you have a line, the same blood will get cleaned over and over again, and you'll still have dirty blood in your system.  When I had a line, I had a recirculation of 30%, I think, but now that I have a fistula, my recirculation is 0%

I honestly don't know how they get those readings, though.  All they do is put a couple of probes on the line.  I can't wrap my head around it.

[boswife]

yes Riki, thats what i was sort of told but then i didnt now the % of what was good or not so good.  We checked it at the hospital when hubby had to do D there and i think his was 40% which she said was good (on their machine) but then again, they hadnt used that 'accessorie' on their machine for a long time and beings it didnt read when it was suppose to, and then it did, and then it wouldnt again, we kind of couldnt figure if it was accurate or not anyway.  You explained great..

[noahvale]

^

[sullidog]

Thanks for the great info! Yes I see my v surgeon next Monday so see what he says. They ran some tests on my heart a while back and it has good function just some rare PVC's because I have anxiety. My neph didn't seem concerned so will ask my surgeon. I way 119 lbs and my I have my bp under control without meds.