Abstract: A stable packaged bicarbonate solution for use in dialysis treatment and for treating anemia, iron deficiency, or reducing the required dose of recombinant erythropoietin to treat anemia includes a bicarbonate solution into which ferric pyrophosphate is dissolved. The amount of ferric pyrophosphate dissolved in the bicarbonate solution is sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect for the treatment of anemia, iron deficiency or to reduce dose of recombinant erythropoietin needed to treat anemia when the bicarbonate solution is combined with other dialysis components to form a dialysate used for dialyzing a patient. The ferric pyrophosphate is stabilized in the bicarbonate solution by holding the solution in a polyolefin container or container liner, such as a high density polyethylene container or liner.

Abstract: A highly water soluble ferric pyrophosphate citrate chelate useful for treating iron deficiency contains 2% or less phosphate by weight. These chelate compositions are easily milled and/or processed into dosage forms using conventional techniques, and are expected to exhibit advantageous biocompatibility as compared to conventional soluble ferric pyrophosphates, ferric salts, ferric polysaccharide complexes and ferrous salts.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.