Blood loss and leakage are significant complications that can occur during dialysis treatment. These incidents can be life-threatening for patients and challenging for medical personnel and nephrology nurses.
Image Credit: Introtek International
This is where a blood leak detector comes in. It monitors fluid transmission and detects potential leaks.
How does a haemodialysis machine detect blood leaks?
Blood leak detectors are designed to identify unwanted blood leakage within the dialyzer’s blood compartment. Hemodialysis systems typically feature a blood leak alarm that can recognize even minimal traces of blood in clear fluids.
During the hemodialysis process, a patient’s blood circulates through a device called a dialyzer. The machine facilitates blood flow, removes excess fluids and harmful substances, and then recirculates the purified blood back into the body. This mechanism helps eliminate waste materials like salts and water.
Ensuring proper filtration is essential because blood must not breach the dialysate membrane. If it comes into contact with the unsterile dialysate, the patient’s safety could be compromised. Reusing dialyzers—especially after disinfection procedures involving bleach and heat—can weaken the membrane and increase the risk of rupture.
Clinical evidence suggests that blood loss during dialysis can lead to severe outcomes such as fainting, low blood pressure, or even cardiac arrest. Additionally, catheter insertion may trigger discomfort in the chest, neck, or shoulder regions, cause pain in the groin or lower abdomen, or result in hemoptysis.
An optical sensor in the detector uses a light source to identify red blood cells. Once a specific threshold is reached, it triggers an alarm. This sensor can be adjusted for compatibility with other devices by changing the wavelength used.
The benefits of a non-invasive blood detector
Based on findings from the American Nephrology Nurses' Association VND survey, nearly half of dialysis patients express concern about the risk of severe blood loss. To address this, several non-invasive blood detection methods—including pad-based, optical, and moisture sensors—have been developed for use in dialysis treatment.
One such solution is Introtek’s BC1 miniature blood component detector, which features advanced fluid detection capabilities for clear tubing. Its key characteristics include:
- Non-invasive optical technology
- Low power consumption
- Compact and free-entry design
- Field calibratable
- Wide range of tubing sizes
- Remote electronics possibilities
- Integrated electronics
These devices utilize high-sensitivity detection to reduce the likelihood of false blood leak alerts, which are often caused by factors like air bubbles or system issues stemming from grease accumulation.
The Introtek sensor supports targeted clinical uses, such as minimizing blood loss and avoiding fluid contamination during dialysis. Additionally, customers may request tailored design adjustments to suit specific application needs.
About Introtek International
Introtek has produced non-invasive ultrasonic air bubble detectors, continuous liquid level sensors, optical blood component detectors, and now pressure occlusion detectors. Introtek sensors utilize a patented pulse-type ultrasonic technology that detects air bubbles, air-in-line, and liquid levels with the highest degree of accuracy and reliability, thereby maintaining an extremely high MTBF. Introtek sensors are not susceptible to the limitations exhibited by continuous wave, capacitive, or load-cell sensors.
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