Dialysvätskan

Dialysvätskan, also known as dialysate, is a crucial component in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments for individuals with kidney failure. Its primary function is to facilitate the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these tasks effectively. The composition of dialysvätskan is carefully controlled to mimic the natural balance of electrolytes and minerals found in healthy blood plasma, while also including a higher concentration of glucose.

During hemodialysis, the dialysvätskan flows through the dialyzer, a man-made kidney, on one side of a semipermeable membrane. The patient's blood flows on the other side. The concentration gradient between the blood and the dialysvätskan drives the diffusion of waste products like urea and creatinine from the blood into the dialysvätskan. Simultaneously, excess electrolytes and fluid are drawn out of the blood by a process called ultrafiltration, which is influenced by pressure gradients.

In peritoneal dialysis, dialysvätskan is introduced into the peritoneal cavity, the abdominal lining. The peritoneal membrane acts as the semipermeable barrier. Waste products and excess fluid from the blood vessels within the peritoneum diffuse into the dialysvätskan. The dialysvätskan remains in the cavity for a specific period, known as the dwell time, before being drained and replaced with fresh solution. The glucose in the dialysvätskan creates an osmotic gradient that helps pull excess fluid from the body.