Dialysis TreatmentPrinciples of Osmosis and Diffusion

What is Dialysis?

Complex Medical Procedure

Used to Remove Excess Water and Waste From the Blood

Prolongs Life in Individuals Who Suffer From Kidney Failure

Utilizes the Principles of Osmosis and Diffusion

Has Experienced an Increase in Demand

Bloodstream Components

Solutes

Solvents

Electrolytes, Sugar, Salt

Water

Dialysis Uses What is Known as Dialysate

Dialysis Machine

Contains a Permeable Membrane

Impermeable to Blood and Proteins

Allows the Body to Retain Important Particles

Small Particles Like Waste and Water are Filtered

A Damaged Membrane May Allow Important Particles to Pass

How Dialysis Works

Blood is Transported From the Body to the Machine

Blood Travels Past the Permeable Membrane

Small Particles are Filtered

Dialysate Carries Filtrate to Disposal Container

Cleaned Blood is Transported Back to the Body

Osmosis

Describes How Solvents Move Across Membranes

From Area of Low Particle Concentration to High Concentration

Water Leaves the Bloodstream to Follow Solutes

Can Be Reabsorbed by the Body

Diffusion

Describes How Solutes Move Across Membranes

From Areas of High Concentration to Low Concentration

Particles Travel Out of the Blood and Into Collection Area

Shunting of Filtrate Maintains the Concentration Gradient

Treatment Duration

Typically Lasts Between 3 and 5 Hours

Blood is Circulated Through the Machine Many Times

Without Treatment Waste Would Accumulate

Treatments Must Occur 3 to 5 Times Each Week

Generally Administered by a Dialysis Technician

Reference

http://www.dialysistechniciansalary.org/