Abstract: Dialysis treatment devices and methods for removing urea from dialysis waste streams are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis treatment device including: 1) a first filter having a filtration membrane, 2) a urea removal unit having urease and in fluid communication with the first filter, and 3) a second filter having an ion rejection membrane and in fluid communication with the first filter and the urea removal unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polysulfone hemodialyzer with large membrane area that exhibits an unprecedented high dialytic performance over a wide molecular weight range from urea to ?2-microglobulin. There is provided a polysulfone hemodialyzer having a membrane area of >2.4 but ?3.2 m2 and a dialysate rectifying portion with specified broadening at end portion of bundle, the polysulfone hemodialyzer achieves the above object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing a patient's sensitivity to fluid removal from the patient's vascular system or to fluid replacement or addition with regard to the patient's hydration state, the method comprising the step of determining a value reflecting the distribution of fluid between at least two distribution spaces of the body of the patient or changes thereof from measured or calculated values, and assessing whether the value fulfils at least one criterion. It also relates to a controller, an apparatus, a device, a digital storage device, a computer program product, and a computer program.

Abstract: A dialysis cell is provided for the measurement of free thyroxine. The dialysis cell preferably includes a polyhedral housing including a top, a bottom and four sides. The dialysis cell is made up of a buffer portion and serum portion. The buffer portion includes a cavity and the serum portion includes a cavity which, when the buffer portion and serum portion are assembled together, form a central chamber. The central chamber is divided by a vertically aligned dialysis membrane held in place by two O-rings. Buffer is introduced into the dialysis cell's buffer portion through a buffer inlet extending from the dialysis cell's top side to the buffer portion's cavity. Similarly, serum is introduced into the serum portion through an inlet which extends from an opening formed on the dialysis cell's top to the serum portion's cavity.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine; an arterial line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; a venous line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; and an access disconnection circuit for detecting a disconnection of at least one of the arterial or venous lines from a patient, the access disconnection circuit including (i) a signal generation source having first and second signal generation source electrical lines each in electrical communication with blood traveling through one of the arterial or venous lines, (ii) a conductive pathway electrically communicating blood traveling through the arterial line with blood traveling through the venous line, and (iii) a signal processing unit positioned and arranged to process a signal generated by the source to detect the disconnection of the at least one of the arterial and venous lines.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the harvesting of specific materials in multiple stages of filtration of bone graft materials from a Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) Device, specifics of interconnected stages, related filtration materials, and techniques. The harvesting process collects large material in a first stage, and other materials of a limited geometric size in at least a second stage of filtration. Such material captured in the second stage may contain plasma, cellular elements including stem cells as well as growth factors and other particulate matter of a specific geometrically limited size, using various filtration approaches including centrifugation in some embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention provide for an improved tubing interface and management approach to ease use in the operating room. Filtration materials may include collagen based filters and may allow direct implant of small scale and larger scale matter in specific portions within the collagen itself.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: In a regenerative dialysis system, in a method for controlling a regenerative dialysis system, and in a controller for a regenerative dialysis system, an embodiment of the system comprises an input pump that pumps fresh dialysate fluid into a dialyzer at an input rate. An output pump pumps used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer at an output rate. An ultrafiltration rate of the system is related to the output rate relative to the input rate. A sorbent cartridge filters the used dialysate fluid to generate the fresh dialysate fluid. A controller controls the ultrafiltration rate of the system in response to a flow rate of the dialysate fluid through the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite hollow fiber capillary membrane in particular for exploiting the value of dialysate and a method for the production thereof as well as its use in particular in haemo and peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis system for a patient includes an inlet port for providing inflow to the patient's peritoneal cavity, an outlet port for providing outflow from the patient's peritoneal cavity, and a volume of dialysate for flow into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, thereby removing from the dialysate uremic waste metabolites that have diffused into the dialysate. The portable peritoneal dialysis system also includes a closed liquid flow loop, including a pump, for flowing the dialysate into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, and an organic- and phosphate-removing stage, including at least one replaceable cartridge in the closed liquid flow loop, the cartridge containing material for removing organic compounds and phosphate from dialysate removed from the patient's peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.

Abstract: A dialyzer mount arranged to support a plurality of differently sized and/or shaped dialyzer units and to accommodate different distances between dialysate connections on the dialyzer units. The dialyzer mount, which may be located on a front panel of the dialysis unit, may include a pair of flange portions that are each arranged to engage with a respective dialysate quick-connect fitting connected to a dialysate port of the dialyzer. Each flange portion may be arranged to engage with a groove on the quick connect fitting that is located between a portion of the base of the quick connect fitting and a slide element of the quick connect fitting. One flange portion may include an adjustable support that is moveable, e.g., in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regeneratable filtering and adsorbing system, combining the properties of membrane filtration with those of particle-based adsorption in a closed housing.

Abstract: A filter for processing blood that comprises a flexible container having an inlet and an outlet for blood, and a sheet-like blood processing filter material situated in such a manner so as to partition the inside of the container into an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the flexible container comprises a container body which houses the blood processing filter material and an outlet port that forms the outlet, and the outlet port has a protrusion that protrudes from the container body into the inside of the container body, the protrusion having a plurality of fluid channel inlets formed at locations that are not in contact with the blood processing filter material.

Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.

Abstract: A plasma purifying device is provided that is capable of recovering blood and plasma remaining within the plasma purifying device easily and without risk of coagulation, following completion of plasma purification therapy. The plasma purifying device has a control unit controls flow rates of the air pump and a plasma pump so that a pressure of the filtration side space of the plasma separator is higher than a pressure of the blood side space while delivering blood to the blood side space of the plasma separator by continuing to operate a blood pump without stopping following completion of plasma purification and then delivers plasma remaining in a filtration side space of a plasma separator to a blood side space of the plasma separator or to a plasma circuit by supplying air from an air pump.

Abstract: A device is provided by means of which biomolecules in samples in a volume range from <1 ?l to 500 ?l can be received, treated and stored in a quick, reproducible and loss-free manner as easily, effortlessly and practically as possible, and without any risk of damaging the device. The device includes sample vessels that are configured, in terms of size and shape, as dimensionally and positionally stable capillaries that are open at both ends, the longitudinal walls of which are completely or partially made of a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A filter and a method treat blood borne carcinomas by inducing apoptosis in carcinoma cells. The filter includes comprises a stent having an interior wall defining a channel containing a packing material and at least one antineoplastic agent. The method includes placing a patient's blood in apposition of the antineoplastic agent by pumping the blood through the stent. The blood remains in apposition to the antineoplastic agent for a sufficient time period to induce an apoptotic cascade.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a bone metabolism improving agent that improves bone metabolism in a chronic renal failure patient receiving blood purification therapy such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. An acetic acid- and/or acetate salt-free bone metabolism improving agent that contains citric acid and/or a citrate salt as electrolytes and further contains another/other electrolyte/electrolytes and glucose solely or in combination is provided. A bone metabolism improving agent formulated into a dialysate or a substitution fluid having effects of improving bone metabolism including bone metabolism improvement in adynamic bone disease and especially in bone agenesis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high cut-off hemodialysis membranes for the treatment of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, with the potential to improve long-term survival of these patients by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, through down-regulation of monocyte activation in the blood. Monocytes are the major circulating blood cells involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease. High cut-off hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients results in a sustained decrease in expression of monocyte cell-surface proteins that direct the movement of these cells from the blood to the walls of blood vessels, where they promote the progression of arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD); heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: Trapping structures are provided for particle separation devices that make use of traveling wave fluid flow. These trapping structures are operative to capture and collect separated particles and present them for extraction. The extraction can be accomplished in conventional manners, such as through the use of suitable sized pipettes.

Abstract: A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device is provided that weighs between 2 and 10 pounds. The CRRT device can be portable, mobile or completely worn on the person of the patient. Blood and dialysate are each pumped in a pulsed or pulsatile manner through a dialyzer such that a significant portion of the peak pulse of the blood flow coincides with a significant portion of a low pulse portion of the dialysate flow. An differential pressure between a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer and the blood inlet of the dialyzer periodically changes from a high differential pressure of between 70 and 120 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between ?10 and 10 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between ?10 and 10 mmHg for a second time period. The frequency of the high and low differential pressure cycle is between about 0.5 and 4 Hz.

Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for home or other remote delivery of health care that gather subjective and objective measures of patient health and treatment, analyzing them (e.g., correlating them with one another and/or with norms) and reporting them to aid in on-going patient diagnosis and treatment (both on acute and chronic bases), as well as to aid physicians, nurses and other caregivers in decision support, monitoring treatment compliance, facilitating regulatory compliance, billing, and so forth. Thus, for example, in some aspects a health care delivery device comprising a medical treatment apparatus, such as a home hemodialysis or home peritoneal dialysis unit, that is coupled to a processor. The processor generates patient queries in connection with treatments rendered by the dialysis equipment (or other treatment apparatus).

Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane.

Abstract: A filter and a method of forming a suture structure. The filter includes layered structure(s) interior to the filter. Each layered structure includes a carbon structure comprising carbon and a coating on a surface of the carbon structure. Each layered structure may further include a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the filter includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA. The carbon structure may include an activated charcoal layer or carbon nanotube(s). The layered structure is configured to remove a contaminant flowing through the filter. The method of forming the suture structure includes forming a film on a suture that has been previously formed on a mammal. The film includes both a coating on the suture and a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the suture structure includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA.

Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining one or more desired fluid components, using a back-flushable filter device comprising a filter and at least one diffusing plate, are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration filter for an extracorporeal blood circuit having an input for blood withdrawn from a human patient and a blood output for filtered blood to be infused into the patient including: a filter body having a length of at least 20 centimeters (cm) and an interior diameter of no greater than 1.5 cm; an input at a first end of the body to receive the withdrawn blood; an output at a second end of the body to discharge the filtered blood; a filter membrane in the body defining a blood passage through the body, wherein the membrane has an active filter membrane surface area of no greater than 0.2 meters squared (m2) and the filter membrane blocks passage of blood molecules having a molecular weight cut of greater than 60,000 Daltons and a volume of the blood passage in the filter being less than two percent of a cardiac output of the patient, and an ultrafiltrate output to the body and open to a side of the filter surface area opposite to the blood passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a very large pore hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: A method and system for improving gas exchange properties of oxygenators which utilize hollow fiber membranes for removing carbon dioxide or adding oxygen to a patient's blood via extracorporeal circulation by removing moisture accumulating in the fibers are disclosed. The system utilizes a vacuum source for drawing sweep gas into the oxygenator, a moisture collection unit for storing moisture removed from the oxygenator, the moisture collecting unit being in communication with the oxygenator and the vacuum source and a flow control mechanism having an open position which allows sweep gas exiting the oxygenator to flow to the moisture collecting unit and a closed position which stops the flow of sweep gas from the oxygenator to the moisture collecting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, long-term dialysis. For example, prediction of long-term dialysis treatment can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of hyaluronic acid can be used to determine whether a patient having suffered acute kidney injury will require long-term dialysis.

Abstract: Photochromic materials that are useful for a variety of applications, including for making various unit functions of fluidic devices, particularly microfluidic devices, such as microchannels, valves and gates, using spiropyran materials, such as a polymeric composition comprising a spiropyran. In certain disclosed embodiments the spiropyran is admixed with a polymeric material. For example, the spiropyran may be intercalated into a polyalkylene or polyalkylene phthalate. The spiropyran also may be polymerized with at least one additional monomer to form a heteropolymer, such as by polymerization with styrene, styrene derivatives, acrylate and acrylate derivatives. The spiropyran compositions can be used to make, for example, a photoactuatable valve, a fluidic channel, etc. The valve may be associated with a microchannel, including photochromic microchannel. In certain disclosed embodiments, the valve, at least one microchannel, or both, are re-patternable by light exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a blood treatment unit, subdivided by a semipermeable membrane into a blood chamber and a dialysis liquid chamber, of an extra-corporeal blood treatment device, which comprises an extra-corporeal blood circuit having an arterial branch leading to the blood chamber of the blood treatment unit, a venous branch, which extends away from the blood chamber, and a dialysis fluid system, in which the dialysis liquid chamber is arranged.

Abstract: Membranes are made from polymers and heat treated so that they have at least two zones with pores of different sizes. Pores with a smaller size have a lower molecular weight cut off than pores with a larger size. Zones with pores of different sizes may also be made by coating portions of membranes with polymer coatings. Membranes with pores of different sizes may be used in dialyzers for hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, and other hemodialysis procedures. The membranes may also be used in other separation processes.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.

Abstract: The therapy device stores the time profiles of the blood pressure and of other influencing variables during preceding therapy procedures. The time profile of the blood pressure and of other influencing variables during the actual therapy is also recorded. An analytical comparison is then made between the time profiles of the blood pressure and of other influencing variables during the actual measurement procedure and those during preceding therapy procedures. Depending on the comparison, a prospective blood pressure control is carried out in order to prevent drops in blood pressure in a subsequent time period.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of operating a blood treatment apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient, a blood volume monitor for monitoring an extracorporeal blood treatment of the patient by means of a blood treatment apparatus, and a blood treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus, including a blood treatment unit configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid, a pair of fluid pumps configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit, a pair of blood pumps configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel, each blood pump including a pump chamber and a flexible member separating the pumping chamber into a first blood accumulating container and a second working fluid accumulating container where the flexible member is configured to vary a volume relationship between the first and the second accumulation containers.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for equine plasma collection are provided. Modified plasmapheresis instruments and modified disposable plasmapheresis tubing are introduced. By using the modified procedures and instruments, a high-speed, high volume, continuous-flow process of automated equine plasmapheresis is developed. The modified closed systems remove whole blood from the donor horses, separate plasma from the cellular components of blood, and simultaneously returning concentrated cells back to the donor horses.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a parameter of a fluidic sample by microdialysis, the device comprising a permeable membrane, wherein the permeable membrane has a first surface to be brought in contact with the fluidic sample to traverse the permeable membrane (300), wherein the permeable membrane has a second surface to be brought in contact with a dialysis fluid, and wherein the first surface is smoother than the second surface.

Abstract: A split thin-flow separations device can include a fluid channel having an inlet zone, an outlet zone, and a transport region between the inlet zone and outlet zone. The inlet zone includes a sample inlet and a carrier fluid inlet which are fluidly separated by an inlet splitter to minimize mixing of fluids from respective inlets in the inlet zone. The transport region can be a substantially open channel. Similar to the inlet zone, the outlet zone can include a sample outlet and a carrier outlet which are fluidly separated by an outlet splitter to segregate portions of a fluid into each of the two outlets as the fluid enters the outlet zone. A plurality of cross-flow inducers can also be oriented along a wall of the fluid channel in the transport region. The cross-flow inducers are oriented to form a cross-flow field across the transport region.

Abstract: A method of controlling diffusive sodium transport from the dialysate solution to the blood of a patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment or from the blood to the dialysate solution includes calculating SNa+average, an average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, and estimating SNa+estimated, the patient's pre-dialysis serum sodium concentration, based on the average of the patient's measured historic pre-dialysis serum sodium concentrations, SNa+measured. The method enables adjusting DNa+, the sodium concentration of the dialysate solution, based on the average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, SNa+average, if needed, and performing the dialysis treatment of the patient using a dialysate solution containing a sodium concentration DNa+.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: (i) a dialysate pump; (ii) a patient line having a connector configured to be attached to a peritoneal patient part; (iii) an extracorporeal circuit; (iv) a blood pump in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; (v) a blood filter in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; and (vi) a control unit configured and arranged to selectively perform a therapy which (a) the blood pump is deactivated and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate through the patient line or (b) the blood pump is activated to pump blood to the blood filter and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate to the filter/extracorporeal circuit and/or remove fluid from the filter.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection system having a disposable cartridge capable of performing a plurality of assay protocols is disclosed. The cartridge includes a blister pack for the long-term storage and controlled release of multiple reagents. The blister pack is bonded to and operatively associated with a fluidic backbone for providing the fluid pathways, storage capacity, and fluid control functions for performing multiple assay protocols. The cartridge further includes a plurality of sensors having a multiple electrode arrangement in operative association with a respective flow cell defined by the fluidic backbone. After the user has transferred a sample into the cartridge and engaged the cartridge to the reader, the reader operatively interfaces with the cartridge such that different assay protocols may be simultaneously performed in isolation from one another inside the cartridge. The reader may be one of many readers that operatively communicate data to a remote server for processing.

Abstract: A method for inlet temperature monitoring for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines is described. The method can be used, for example, for a dialysis system which has a central water processing system used at a multiple patient dialysis treatment clinic or center. A central water processing system and a plurality of dialysis machines having fluid inlets are fluidly connected to a water supply loop which circulates heated water from the central water processing system to the dialysis machines and back to the central water processing system. A dialysis system for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines of dialysis machines supplied with water by a central water processing system also is provided.