Water treatment for hemodialysis--updated to include the latest AAMI standards for dialysate (RD52: 2004) continuing.

While nurses may not routinely service the water treatment system or mix the dialysate, they are responsible for understanding all the clinical ramifications of water and dialysate for HD and helping to piece together the entire treatment picture. Although historically the water treatment system has been in the technicians' domain, knowing the technical aspects is important in order for the entire team to work together toward the patients' ultimate well being. This article describes the composition of water treatment systems for hemodialysis as well as the monitoring and testing necessary to assure that both water and dialysate are safe for patient use.