We're just a little slow... Changing to single use filters

[aharris2]

5 1/2 years later, we are changing from reuse filters to single use. We have toyed with this from time to time, but things were going good using the reuseable filters so we never made the change. We didn't want to open Rolando up to a whole new set of problems (itching from fibers and whatever the hell else the dialysis clinic tells you to scare you away from single use). But today...

Today I walked in just as the tech was disposing of Rolando's used tubing and draining the filter. Much to my amazement and horror, he hung it into the hazardous waste receptacle with the top port resting on the top of the container.  The rest of the filter, with the bottom uncapped, was hanging into the the receptacle coming into contact with who knows what. I went and found a trusted tech to make sure that I wasn't overreacting. He assured me that what I saw was not standard practice.

On Tuesday, Rolando will begin dialyzing with single use filters.

  Me, and
me too

for being slow, stupid, and trusting

[kitkatz]

Holy cr**!  I would have had a fit!     Shame on the tech for not using proper protocol and safety measures for that dialyzer!   

You go get them!

[flip]

My center has single use dialyzers and has for some time. Now, there is a strong rumor that they will sell out to Davita and that many things will change, including the dialyzers. Nurses will be replaced by techs and many of the perks we enjoy will be a thing of the past. I guess that's the difference between non-profit centers and for-profit centers like Davita, Fresenius, and DCI.

[aharris2]

My center has single use dialyzers and has for some time. Now, there is a strong rumor that they will sell out to Davita and that many things will change, including the dialyzers.

Flip, We go to a DaVita clinic. They prefer to use reuseable filters and, in fact, "encourage" their use. But, it is patient preference. Rolando was asked, single use or reuseable, prior to his first session. Further, the patient can change his/her mind at any time. So you should still be able to use the filters you prefer.

I am not sure, but this may be some kind of a requirement - legal or by Medicare??? Does someone know?

[Roadrunner]

If we have picture cell phones we should use them in situations like this.  If we all did this we might get rid of some of these incompetent, unthinking techs.

[flip]

I just feel safer with the single use ones. No chance for mix up or contamination.

[Bajanne]

Our centre uses single use only.

[BigSteve]

When I first went on dialysis(last Dec), they explained the difference between single or multiple use
dialyzers although they pushed multiple use. My unit uses them thirty times, and now shows the dialyzer to
me before use. I was at a support group where techs from a Davita unit were speaking. I asked a tech how
many time they reuse their dialyzers. He said 95 or more.

[flip]

My unit has reused them in the past but doesn't anymore. One reason being that some chemicals used in the cleaning process are hazardous.

[willieandwinnie]

When Len was on dialysis and in-center, they tried the reuse and he had such a horrible reaction that it was only the one time. Of course when we went to home hemo we only had single use. Thank God. Makes me nervous about what they have to use to clean them. 

[Rerun]

My understanding is that reuse is better because the holes in the cellophane fibers that allow the fluid and toxins to escape get larger with reuse and allow the bigger molecules to escape.  I like reuse, but don't have a choice at my new DSI clinic (cheap bastards) and I get single use and no ice.   

Although, if I had seen what Aleen saw, I would go to single use and try and get that tech a new job at McDonald's.

[flip]

I thought all dialysis centers were required to give the patient the option of single use or reuse dialyzers.

[BigSteve]

Rerun: I'm wondering if it is cheaper to go single use. Would the chemicals used to flush
be more expensive than a new dialyzer?

[flip]

I doubt it. If it was cheaper, the for-profit centers like Davita and Fresenius wouldn't be reusing them.

[twirl]

Although, if I had seen what Aleen saw, I would go to single use and try and get that tech a new job at McDonald's.


But Rerun, we do not want our French fries reused....