ePrints

Disinfection of the hospital water supply: A hidden risk to dialysis patients

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicholas Hoenich

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Abstract

Water suitable for drinking is unsuited for use in the preparation of haemodialysis fluid and undergoes additional treatment. The primary component of the additional treatment is reverse osmosis, which does not remove low-molecular-weight contaminants, and the water treatment system must contain carbon beds or filters to ensure effective removal of such contaminants. The recent article by Bek and colleagues highlights an unrecognised issue with respect to chemicals that may be added to the water within hospitals to ensure that the distribution network is free of pathogens (for example, Legionella, pseudomonas, and mycobacteria) and underlines the need for personnel responsible for dialysis in a renal or intensive care setting to be aware of any potential effects that disinfection of the hospital water treatment system may have on the product water used in the preparation of dialysis fluid. Such awareness requires communication and the sharing of information between clinical and facilities staff. © 2009 BioMed Central Ltd.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hoenich N

Publication type: Note

Publication status: Published

Journal: Critical Care

Year: 2009

Volume: 13

Issue: 6

Pages: 1007

ISSN (print): 1364-8535

ISSN (electronic): 1466-609X

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/cc8158

DOI: 10.1186/cc8158

PubMed id: 20053299

Share