Dialysis is an important treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or sudden kidney failure. This is when the kidneys can’t filter waste from the blood anymore. In Kenya, dialysis is becoming more necessary to help manage kidney problems. This is especially true in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, where hospitals have special kidney care units. As a healthcare provider, it is important to understand the dialysis process. Knowing how to help patients during this important treatment can lead to better results. This article gives a clear look at dialysis care. It will talk about the role of regeneration salt and other products used in dialysis. It will also highlight Medocal’s work as a reliable supplier of high-quality dialysis items.

Understanding the Dialysis Process

Dialysis is a man-made way to replace what the kidneys do when they can’t filter waste, balance electrolytes, and take out extra fluid from the body. There are two main kinds of dialysis: hemodialysis and pe

ritoneal dialysis. Each type has its own steps and factors to think about.

1. Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most used way of dialysis in hospitals in Kenya. In this process, a machine called a dialyzer filters the blood outside the body. It removes waste, extra fluids, and helps balance electrolytes like potassium and sodium. The blood is taken from the patient, filtered through the dialyzer, and then returned to the body.

• Access Point: A patient’s blood can be taken through an AV fistula, a graft, or a central venous catheter. The choice depends on the patient’s health and the number of dialysis sessions needed each week.
• Dialysis Machine: This machine has a pump, tubing, and a filter. It moves blood into the dialyzer, which has a special membrane. This membrane helps waste move from the blood into a solution called dialysate, cleaning the blood.
• Time: A hemodialysis session usually lasts about 3 to 5 hours. These sessions happen 3 to 4 times a week, depending on how serious the kidney failure is and the patient’s health.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining inside the stomach area as a natural filter. A liquid called dialysate is put into the stomach through a tube. Waste products are then taken out from the body using this method. This type of dialysis can be done at home if the right setup is there. However, in Kenya, it is not very common in medical centers because it needs special training.

• Access Point: A catheter is surgically put in the belly. This lets the dialysis fluid go into the space in the abdomen.
• Dialysis Process: The fluid is put into the belly and stays there for some time. After this time, the fluid, which has waste in it, is drained out and fresh fluid is added.
• Duration: PD can be done all day (called continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, CAPD) or at night (called automated peritoneal dialysis, APD).

Key Things to Think About for Patient Care During Dialysis

Dialysis treatment can be hard on patients, both physically and mentally. Good management during dialysis can help patients recover better and reduce problems that may come up. Here are important things to remember for dialysis care:

1. Monitoring Vital Signs

During dialysis, it is very important to keep an eye on the patient’s vital signs. You need to check blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. This helps to find any problems early.

• Low Blood Pressure: A common problem during hemodialysis is low blood pressure. This often happens when too much fluid is removed, leading to dehydration. It is important to watch fluid intake and output closely to prevent this.
• Electrolyte Changes: Patients on dialysis can have changes in electrolytes, especially potassium, calcium, and phosphate. Regular blood tests help check these levels and make sure they stay safe.

2. Fluid Management

Fluid overload is a big worry for patients with kidney failure. Dialysis helps to take out extra fluid from the body, but managing fluid well between sessions is very important. Patients need to follow strict limits on how much fluid they can drink. These limits can change depending on the type of dialysis, how well the patient’s kidneys are working, and how much fluid is taken out during each session.

3. Dialysis Access Site Care

The access site, whether it is an AV fistula, graft, or catheter, needs proper care. This helps to prevent infection and keep it working well. You should clean it regularly, change the dressing, and check for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge. This should be part of your normal care routine.

• Fistula Care: For patients with AV fistulas, it’s important to look for signs of stenosis (a narrowing of the vessel) or thrombosis (a blood clot), which can slow down blood flow. Fistulas should be used regularly to keep working well.

4. Managing Pain and Discomfort

Dialysis can feel hard, especially at the start. Your body needs time to get used to the treatment. It’s important to handle any pain you feel, whether it comes from needle insertion or cramps during dialysis. You may need pain relievers to help with the pain. Also, changing the fluid removal rates can often help ease muscle cramps.

5. Psychological Support

The mental and emotional impact of dialysis is important to note. Patients who go through long-term dialysis might feel anxious, sad, or alone. Offering help through counseling or support groups can make life better for these patients.

Role of Regeneration Salt and Dialysis Consumables

To give the best dialysis treatment, using the right supplies and tools is very important. Medocal is a reliable supplier of medical products in Kenya. They offer high-quality dialysis supplies like regeneration salt, dialysate, and more.

1. Regeneration Salt

Regeneration salt is an important part of the dialysis process, especially in hemodialysis. This salt helps clean and refresh the filter in the dialyzer. This keeps the machine running well. Medocal is known for providing high-quality regeneration salts. These salts help keep dialysis equipment working effectively and for a long time.

• Importance: If the dialyzer is not cleaned and renewed well, it can work less in filtering out waste products. Using good-quality regeneration salt helps the dialysis machine work properly. This prevents the buildup of harmful waste and lowers the chance of problems for the patient.
• Availability: Medocal provides regeneration salts that meet international standards. They are available for hospitals and clinics all over Kenya. With delivery to every part of the country, healthcare facilities can feel confident that they will always have the supplies they need.

2. Dialysate

The dialysate is the fluid used to take out waste and extra fluid from a patient’s blood. It is important to keep an eye on the mix of the dialysate. This includes the levels of electrolytes, buffers, and other parts. Keeping track helps avoid problems like imbalances. Medocal gives hospitals and clinics high-quality dialysate solutions. These solutions are made to help with good dialysis treatment.

3. Dialysis Catheters and Needles

Medocal offers many dialysis access devices. This includes high-quality catheters and needles for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. These products are made to reduce problems like infection. They give safe and dependable access for dialysis procedures.

Partnering with Medocal for Dialysis Consumables

As Kenya’s top supplier of medical equipment and supplies, Medocal is dedicated to offering the best dialysis products to healthcare facilities throughout the country. Known for quality and dependability, Medocal is the trusted partner for hospitals and clinics in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other areas.

1. Wide Range of Products

Medocal has a wide range of dialysis supplies. This includes regeneration salt, dialysis catheters, and needles. By using these good products, doctors can make sure that their dialysis procedures are safe and work well.

2. Nationwide Delivery

Medocal knows how important it is to deliver medical supplies on time. With a strong logistics system, Medocal makes sure that hospitals in Kenya get their dialysis supplies quickly. This helps keep patient care running smoothly.

3. Trusted Partner

Medocal cares about quality and keeping customers happy. This makes Medocal a trusted partner in healthcare. Hospitals and clinics can count on Medocal for regular supply, technical help, and knowledge about products.

Finally…

Dialysis is a vital treatment for people with kidney failure, but it needs careful management and good supplies. Doctors in Kenya should know the dialysis process to keep patients safe and healthy. By working with Medocal, hospitals and clinics can get the best dialysis products, like regeneration salt and other key supplies. This helps them provide great care for all patients.