Observations from the Field Concerning Water and Dialysate for Hemodialysis

This article describes survey observations and findings related to water and dialysate in hemodialysis facilities. Ensuring the quality of the water and dialysate is critically important for patient safety. Survey findings related to monitoring of the pH and conductivity, microbiology and disinfection, water system monitoring, water in the home dialysis setting, and quality assessment and performance improvement are reviewed. Implications for the nephrology registered nurse in each of the scenarios are discussed.