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HHD

2008K@home Hemodialysis Delivery System

Train-the-Trainer Manual

2008K
Bringing Home Therapy Excellence
Fresenius Medical Care

2008K@home

Train-the-Trainer Manual

2008K@home Hemodialysis Delivery System

Train-the-Trainer Manual
Copyright 2011, Fresenius USA, Inc.All Rights Reserved
This document contains proprietary information of Fresenius USA, Inc. d/b/a Fresenius Medical Care North
America and its affiliates (Fresenius Medical Care). The contents of this document may not be disclosed to third
parties, copied, or duplicated in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Fresenius
Medical Care.
Fresenius, Fresenius Medical Care, the triangle logo, 2008, PURISTERIL, and success@home are trademarks of
Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc., and/or its affiliated companies. Hemastix is a registered trademark of
Miles, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Introducing the FMCNA 2008K@home Hemodialysis System ............... 3
Section 2 Home Requirements ................................................................................... 5
Section 3 Preparing for Dialysis .................................................................................. 8
Section 4 Access for Dialysis ...................................................................................... 9
Section 5 2008K@home System Overview............................................................... 10
Section 6 2008K@home Software Overview ............................................................ 17
Section 7 Getting Started .......................................................................................... 19
Section 8 Entering the Prescription ........................................................................... 21
Section 9 Machine Setup .......................................................................................... 24
Section 10 Preparing Your Dialysate......................................................................... 25
Section 11 Testing your 2008K@home Machine (Tx Setup)..................................... 27
Section 12 Setting Up the Arterial Lines: Screen 1 (Tx Setup) ................................. 28
Section 13 Arterial Lines: Screen 2 (Tx Setup) ........................................................ 30
Section 14 Venous Bloodline (Tx Setup) ................................................................... 31
Section 15 Priming Blood Side (Tx Setup) ................................................................ 32
Section 16 Prime Dialysate Side: Screen 1 (Tx Setup) ............................................ 33
Section 17 Prime Dialysate Side: Screen 2 (Tx Setup) ............................................ 34
Section 18 Entering Tx Parameters (Tx Setup) ......................................................... 35
Section 19 Starting your Treatment (Tx Connect) ..................................................... 36
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Section 20 Flush Saline (Tx Connect) ....................................................................... 38


Section 21 Connect Bloodlines (Tx Connect) ............................................................ 39
Section 22 Start Treatment (Tx Connect) .................................................................. 40
Section 23 Monitoring the Treatment (Home Screen) ............................................... 42
Section 24 Ending the Treatment .............................................................................. 43
Section 25 Check Saline (Tx End)............................................................................. 44
Section 26 Return Blood (Tx End) ............................................................................. 45
Section 27 Disconnect (Tx End) ................................................................................ 47
Section 28 Emptying (Tx End) ................................................................................... 48
Section 29 Cleansing (Tx End) .................................................................................. 49
Section 30 Troubleshooting Alarms........................................................................... 52
Section 31 Troubleshooting Specific Blood Alarms and Dialysate Alarms ............... 54
Section 32 Potential Problems During Dialysis ......................................................... 64
Section 33 Returning the Blood Manually Handcranking ....................................... 65
Section 34 Potential Problems During Dialysis ......................................................... 67
Section 35 Replacing the Diasafe Plus Filter ............................................................ 68
Section 36 Overview of Warnings and Cautions ....................................................... 69
Section 37 Servicing the Fresenius 2008K@home Machine..................................... 73
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS...................................................................... 74
APPENDIX B HEMODIALYSIS BASIC TRAINING .................................................... 86
APPENDIX C VITAL SIGN CHECK AND RECORDING ............................................ 88
APPENDIX D INTRADIALYTIC COMPLICATIONS ................................................... 94
APPENDIX E INFECTION CONTROL ....................................................................... 95
APPENDIX F VASCULAR ACCESS CARE ............................................................... 98
HOW YOUR ACCESS WORKS ................................................................................ 98
PREPARING YOUR ACCESS .................................................................................. 98
CANNULATE AND SECURE YOUR VASCULAR ACCESS ................................... 101
VASCULAR ACCESS CARE................................................................................... 102
APPENDIX G COMPETENCY CHECKLIST ............................................................ 104

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Section 1
Introducing the
FMCNA 2008K@home Hemodialysis System

The Learning Theory Train-the-Trainer section should be used in conjunction with this training
section to introduce the trainer to learning techniques and theory that are applicable to the
successful training of 2008K@home hemodialysis system users. This section provides an
overview of the main learning concepts that must be taught to potential users of the
2008K@home hemodialysis system and should be used in conjunction with the 2008K@home
Users Guide. This Train-the-Trainer section is intended to help the trainer teach safe and
effective use of the 2008K@home hemodialysis machine in the home setting. This includes a
thorough discussion of all warnings and cautions contained in the users guide, a thorough
review of all alarms and troubleshooting procedures and recommendations for competence
demonstrations to be completed by the trainee. For each topic, we will review the main
concepts, key terms, recommended return demonstrations and critical warnings that are integral
to the training of home operators. This is supported by the Competency Check List (Appendix
G). It is recommended that each item on the competency checklist is included as a return
demonstration during the training period.
Please remember that the suggested trainer-led learning activities listed in this section are only
a guide. You will want to develop your own activities based on your experience, the information
you have learned reading the Learning Theory Train-the-Trainer, and on your trainees ability
level and learning style.
Refer to the 2008K@home Users Guide for definitions of terms and for a more complete
description of each of these topics.

Implementation Overview
Of primary importance to the success of home dialysis treatments using the 2008K@home
hemodialysis system, is the suitability of home dialysis for the patients lifestyle, environment,
and achievement of prescription goals. The patients nephrologist must certify that the patient is
a candidate for home hemodialysis training. It is recommended that each trainer assess the
patient in conjunction with the patients nephrologist to confirm their suitability for home dialysis.
In addition, trainers should complete and document (if not already in the patients chart), a
patient learning assessment to determine primary language for verbal and written
communication, level of literacy, potential visual impairment particularly color differentiation,
hearing impairment and manual dexterity. The patients training session should be adapted to
meet the learners educational needs. The main learning concepts, key terms and
recommended return demonstrations listed in this manual are guidelines for teaching strategies
which require individualization to meet specific patient requirements.
After completing the above assessments, a mutually agreed upon training schedule should be
established. In general it is anticipated that training for home hemodialysis will take
approximately 4-8 weeks. Please refer to the appropriate sections of the 2008K@home Users
Guide to review each procedure, definitions of individual terms, and warnings prior to each
training session.

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Goals and Objectives


After the successful completion of a four to eight week training period, the patient and care
partner should demonstrate the competency to perform safe and effective dialysis at home. The
patient and care partner should:
Understand and perform hemodialysis treatments safely without supervision.
Demonstrate the appropriate action to be taken during possible emergencies.
Understand how to obtain assistance for any technical or medical problems.
Understand and explain the prescribed diet and medication therapies.
Demonstrate blood work draws and processing.
Demonstrate medication administration.
Understand that all elements of the dialysis treatment, including medication, diet, and
blood work, are under the order of the physician.
Understand normal renal function, the effects of end stage renal disease, and the effects
of the hemodialysis treatment.
A more complete listing is contained in the Competency Checklist (Appendix G)
Goals and objectives form the foundation for learning activities, and assessment measures.
Review the objectives with the patient and care partner so that they may see how the material is
related to their training and recognize them as being important.

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Section 2
Home Requirements

Safe operation of the Fresenius 2008K@home hemodialysis machine in the home setting
requires that the home have sufficient electricity, water, water quality, water pressure and
drainage capacity (sewers) for proper machine operations. The power, water and other
environmental factors must be evaluated and certified by a qualified technician prior to the
installation of the Fresenius 2008K@home machine (see sample checklist from the users guide
below).
Table 1. Home Evaluation Checklist
Note: A qualified person from your clinic must fill out this or a similar form. He or she
should come to your home in person to check it over.
TYPE OF HOME:
House
Apartment
Mobile Home
Nursing Home
Retirement Home
Other: _______________
COMMUNITY
ENVIRONMENT:
# of occupants: ________
Room shared w/
another occupant
Urban
Rural
Local Hospital:
______________________
Approximate miles
From home to hospital: __________
Approximate miles from
Home to unit: ___________
WATER SYSTEM:
City
Well
Spring

SEWAGE SYSTEM:
City
Septic
Leach Bed
Trash Service
Other: _________________
# of bathrooms: _________
Bathroom ______ft. to bed.
Condition of shower head
ELECTRICAL:
3-Prong outlets (single phase, threeconductor type receptacle and a ground fault
interrupter at 120 Volts, 15 Amps, 60 Hz)
Outlet near bed
COOLING:
A/C: Central/Window Units
Fans: Type _____________
Duct System: Ceiling/Floor
Other: ______________
HEATING:
Electrical
Gas
Solar
Wood stove
Other: _________________

Failure to properly assess and ensure the reliable availability of electricity and water can result
in patient injury. For this reason the users guide includes the following contraindication:

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Contraindications (When this machine should not be used)


The 2008K@home machine is contraindicated for use in a home setting where there is
inadequate water supply or inadequate water pressure. In other words, you cannot use the
2008K@home machine in your home if you do not have a constant water supply with good
pressure. Your water pressure must be at least 20 psi and no more than 105 psi. Your water
temperature must be at least 10C (50F) and no higher than 25C (77F).

Home Hemodialysis Training


In order to provide home dialysis training for home hemodialysis, the facility must be approved
and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) meeting all State and
Federal program requirements as applicable. Training for home dialysis must be provided by a
qualified registered nurse who meets the following minimum requirements:
1. Current licensure in the State in which he or she is employed.
2. Current licensure in the State where home visits or contact with patients via telephone
occurs.
3. A minimum of 12 months experience providing nursing care.
4. Additionally the Home Training Nurse is required to have a minimum of 3 months of
experience working as a nurse in the specific modality (hemodialysis or peritoneal
dialysis) for which the nurse will provide patient/caregiver training.1
The qualified registered nurse is responsible for providing major portion of the home dialysis
training, and for oversight and coordination of the Home Training Program.

Home Operator Training Requirements


At the completion of the training program the patient and/or caregiver must successfully
demonstrate competency in clinical and technical procedures and self care management, and
also successfully complete a written final exam. The qualified home training Registered Nurse
must validate the patients and/or caregiver competency including evaluating the patients
comprehension and skills, utilizing a skills checklist (see Competency Checklist, Appendix G).
These requirements must be met prior to the patient/caregiver being certified to perform home
dialysis independently.
Home dialysis training for the patient and/or caregiver must be individualized to the needs of the
home dialysis patient/training candidate, and tailored to their level of understanding. Special
attention must be provided to ensure patients comprehension and ability to perform and master
each of the required tasks. The patient and/or caregiver may be trained in a small group or
individually over a sufficient time and in a setting that facilitates learning and understanding. At
a minimum, suggested content areas that must be mastered as part of home dialysis training
include:

Refer to V Tag 685 of the CMS Interpretive Guidelines.

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1. The nature and management of ESRD


2. Specific (step-by-step) instructions on using the prescribed patient equipment. Specific
emphasis should be placed upon proper set-up, input of treatment parameters, initiation
of a treatment, performance of a hemodialysis treatment, understanding and proper
management of alerts and alarms, termination of the hemodialysis treatment and proper
machine cleansing and maintenance.
3. Specific (step-by-step) instructions in home dialysis procedures for home hemodialysis
to facilitate adequate dialysis as prescribed by the patients physician
4. Training in proper storage and administration of erythrocyte stimulating agents (ESAs),
if applicable
5. Training in proper storage, preparation and administration of other physician ordered
medications in the home environment
6. Detecting, managing and reporting potential dialysis complications, including water
treatment problems as applicable.
7. When and how to contact support personnel. It must be emphasized that patients are
not authorized to repair the machine and must contact an authorized person. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in patient injury.
8. Availability of support services and how to access and use these resources
9. Self-monitoring of health status including recording and reporting of health status
information
10. Completing and presenting home dialysis documentation including treatment sheets,
and technical logs to the facility for monthly review by their physician and home
hemodialysis care team
11. Handling medical and non-medical emergencies
12. Infection control precautions including disposal of biohazard waste
The facility is responsible to ensure that training must be documented in the patient medical
record and must include evidence of patient/caregiver demonstrated competence in performing
the home dialysis procedures.

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Section 3
Preparing for Dialysis

Main learning concepts: Performing home hemodialysis is not only about being able to operate
the hemodialysis machine. There are a number of medical concepts that must be reviewed and
taught to home operators. These include teaching a basic understanding of simple infection
control techniques, documenting treatment data, monitoring vital signs, and calculating fluid
goal. Review common blood work that may be prescribed. Stress the significance of time,
friction and quantity of cleanser. Discuss use of hand sanitizers (alcohol based cleansers) as
needed.
Key Terms: Hand washing, Sterile and clean techniques, monitoring and documenting vital
signs and weight, Checking blood work, Approved hand cleanser, Paper towels
Recommended return demonstrations: At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Contrast sterile from clean technique
2. Monitor and document vital signs and weight
3. Explain the importance of thorough hand washing and demonstrate the skill
4. Discuss preferred use of paper towels as an infection control measure
5. Restate facility established blood work protocols for blood draws, maintaining specimen
integrity and review of specimen results
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Failure to use sterile and clean techniques can result in severe injury or
death.

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Section 4
Access for Dialysis
Vascular access cannulation and care are central to performing hemodialysis. Comfort and
success with cannulation is key to successful home hemodialysis. It is anticipated that this
subject will be stressed throughout the 4-8 week training period.

Main learning concepts: Please also refer to Appendix F, Vascular Access Care. Discuss
central venous catheters, arterio-venous (AV) fistulas, and grafts. Review the signs or
symptoms of access complications, access clotting, and access infection. Train on stepladder
and buttonhole techniques as per the policy of the facility and physician order. Review rules for
good access care and cannulation. Verbalize how to assess the dialysis access. Describe visual
assessment of access. Note possible access abnormalities such as signs of infection, bruising,
or aneurysms.
Stress importance of visual inspection and palpation of the thrill for the entire length of the
access. If the patient will utilize a catheter for dialysis, educate the patient throughout these
pathways according to the specific facility policy and procedure for catheter care.
Discuss needle removal and hemostasis including that insufficient pressure may lead to
prolonged bleeding while excessive pressure can lead to access clotting.
Key Terms: Types of access used for hemodialysis, access care and complications,
cannulation, Redness/edema/bruising, Infection/abscess Infiltration, Gauze and band aids
Sharps container, AV fistula, AV graft, dialysis catheter, Povidone iodine solution, isopropyl
alcohol, or other approved cleanser
Recommended return demonstrations: At the end of this section the patient will be able to
demonstrate appropriate care of their access and access cannulation techniques including:
1. Evaluating access thrill and bruit
2. Identifying supplies needed to clean the access
3. Identifying the parts of the fistula needle including wings, protective needle guard,
needle bevel, needle back eye, anti-stick needle protector, and tubing cap
4. Restating the steps of cannulation
5. Preparing the access for cannulation
6. Explaining the process of access monitoring during the treatment
7. Listing post treatment access steps including needle disposal and securing of access
site
8. Showing a positive commitment to self care
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Problems with your vascular access must be reported immediately to your
physician.
Warning: Failure to properly care for your access may result in injury or death.

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Section 5
2008K@home System Overview

1. Indication for Use & General Warnings


Main learning concepts: The learner must be familiarized with the 2008K@home Users Guide
and the key indications for use, contraindications and general warnings relating to the
2008K@home hemodialysis machine
Key Terms: Users Guide, indications, contraindications, warnings
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Explain the structure and components of the users guide including the glossary
2. Identify symbols for alerts and warning and explain their meaning
3. Restate indications for use, contraindications to use and general warnings
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Please refer to the section on warnings, cautions and notes of this document.
2. Introduction to the 2008K@home hemodialysis machine and overview of its
functionality
Main learning concepts: It is important to familiarize the home operator with the layout of the
2008K@home hemodialysis machine. This includes a complete review of the basic machine
components, control screens and safety features. This is discussed in detail in the
2008K@home Users Guide section, Meet Your 2008K@home Machine
Key terms: Explain the key features and parts of the 2008K@home machine including each of
the components listed in the diagrams on page 12. These include the key components of the
control panel, module compartment, and dialysate circuit section. Other key terms include the
function keys on control panel, color coding of screen buttons, the main screen Status Box and
Dialogue Box, arterial drip chamber holder and tubing guides, the blood pump, the heparin
pump, the level detector module, the venous clamp, the concentrate connectors for bicarbonate
and acid concentrate and the dialyzer quick-connectors and the shunt interlock. Discuss the
blood circuit, the dialysate circuit, modules and control panel features. Please refer to the users
guide and the glossary at the end of this manual as necessary for help in your explanations.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Confirm that the users guide section Meet Your 2008K@home Machine has been
reviewed
2. Identify and demonstrate each portion of the machine including those named in the
illustrations below

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3. Restate the function of the control panel and each screen, each of the keys and the color
coding of screen buttons
4. Explain the functional sections of the main screen including the Status Box and the
Dialogue Box
5. Discuss each component in the module section including the Arterial Drip Chamber,
Blood Pump, Heparin Pump, and Level Detector
6. Recognize the importance of the venous clamp and how to properly seat the venous
blood line in the clamp
7. Discuss the dialysate circuit
8. Differentiate between the red acid connector and the blue bicarbonate connector
9. Demonstrate the use of the concentrate connectors for bicarbonate and acid concentrate
and the handling of the dialyzer quick-connectors and the shunt interlock.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:

11

Warning: The machines modules and internal hydraulics involve fluids. Fluid leaks
may cause excess fluid removal from the patient. Correct the problem immediately or
take the machine out of service. Spills can cause damage to carpeting and other
surfaces. To contain such spills, the machine should be on a spill-tolerant surface.
Spills can cause slips and falls; clean up spills immediately.

Caution: Do not raise the level of the drip chamber so high that the transducer protector
becomes wet. Wet transducer protectors must be replaced, as they will cause
inaccurate readings and possibly serious injury or death. See Clearing the Pressure
Monitor Line in the 2008K@home Users Guide

Note: The Power key does not interrupt electrical power to your machine. To
disconnect completely, use the main power switch on the back or pull the power cord
plug.

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2008K@home Machine Front View

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2008K@home Machine Rear View

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Machine
Section

Treatment
Section

Patient
Section

Control Panel

Standard Module Setup

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Red Acid
Connector

Concentrate
Jug Connector
Cap

Blue
Bicarbonate
Connector

Fluid
Sample
Line
Shunt
Door
Shunt
Interlock

Dialysate
Supply Line
Flow
Indicator

Dialysate Circuit
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Dialyzer
QuickConnecters
2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

The 2008K@home Users Guide features a foldout map of your machine called Your K Map:
When a procedure references a location not shown, the operator can find the matching letter
and location on Your K Map (inside front page of the users guide).

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Section 6
2008K@home Software Overview

Main learning concepts: The different types of touch screen buttons and their functions, nonclickable status of grayed-out buttons, flowchart at the top of dialysis procedure screens
Insert diagram explaining flowchart at top of screens

Key terms: In addition to reinforcing machine terminology add: grayed-out, touch (for buttons),
press (for keys), progress bar graph, flowchart
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Explain the various types of buttons and which are selectable
2. Explain how to read the progress bar graph on various screens
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3. Explain how to read the flowchart along the top of the screen
4. Explain the alert sections of the display: Status Box and Dialogue Box

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Section 7
Getting Started

Main learning concepts: Reinforce the benefits of home dialysis and use of the 2008K@home
machine (easy to use Control Panel keys, and simple on-screen menus). Define the role of the
trained operator, the role of the trained person who will observe the treatment, and the role of
the trainer. Identify available resources of technical support. Provide the definition of heparin
and its purpose, pharmacokinetics as it relates to dialysis and medication administration.
Discuss the contraindications to the Blood Pressure Module, identification of the 4 attention
boxes and the 7 other important machine symbols. Stress the importance of adherence to
dialysis prescription. Compare and contrast hemodialysis to the functions of the renal system,
introduce intradialytic complications, the clinics schedule for disinfecting and testing the water
treatment system, piping, inlet lines, filters, concentrate feed containers, and the dialysate lines.
Review ordering supplies provide an introduction to medical waste disposal. These overall
concepts form the basis for further learning. It is recommended that they be reviewed on
multiple occasions throughout training.
Key terms: In addition to reinforcing machine terminology add: contraindications, hypovolemia,
hypervolemia, hypertension, hypotension, hypothermia, hyperthermia, convulsions, seizures,
dialysis dementia, electrolyte, hemorrhage, acidosis, alkalosis, hemolysis, pyrogenic, chemical,
AAMI, aseptic technique, Your K Map, appendix, ultrafiltration, serum potassium, blood clotting
time.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Discuss how fundamental hemodialysis procedures affect the body
2. Define aseptic technique
3. Describe available resources for technical and clinical support
4. Define roles and responsibilities of the registered nurse trainer, the trained operator and
trained partner
5. Explain the purpose and action of hemodialysis related medications
6. List contraindications to the Blood Pressure Module
7. Recognize the importance of adhering to the dialysis prescription
8. Restate the clinics schedule for disinfecting and testing the water treatment system,
piping, inlet lines, filters, concentrate feed containers, and the dialysate lines, ordering of
supplies
9. Discuss potential intradialytic complications and their potential resolution
10. Restate appropriate medical waste procedures relating to home hemodialysis
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Strict adherence to physicians orders. AAMI standards for water, Following clinics schedule for
disinfecting and testing the water treatment system, piping, inlet lines, filters, concentrate feed
containers, and the dialysate lines. Discuss Needle Dislodgement and blood loss. Discuss how
to monitor the access site, blood pressure, pulse, and general physical status so that the patient

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can learn to quickly react to any problem with the right solution. Discuss that the patient should
not rely solely on machine alarms. Vigilance is key. Other important warnings include:

Warning: The air detector alarm is a critical safety feature that alerts the user of
potential air in the bloodline. You must properly place the venous drip chamber in its
holder and set the proper blood/saline level in the venous drip chamber. Avoid
overfilling. Failure to follow the instructions in this users guide can result in severe injury
or death. Please contact your physician if you have any questions about the proper
operation of the air detector or how to attach the venous bloodline. Repeated air
detector alarms at the beginning of treatment may indicate improper placement of the
venous drip chamber in its holder.

Warning: Repeated arterial and/or venous pressure alarms may mean poor blood flow
or access problems. If you have frequent alarms or a change in alarm patterns, you
should call your clinic. Frequent movement can trigger the alarm. Patients should
refrain from unnecessary movement during dialysis.

Warning: The conductivity alarm is an important safety feature of your dialysis


treatment. You must fill your concentrate jugs to the top at the beginning of each
treatment. During treatment you must keep your jugs full enough so you do not run low
on concentrate. Failure to change your jugs when they run low will prevent you from
receiving your prescribed dialysis and may lead to serious injury or death.

Instructions for general checks before starting a treatment:


Review the machine requirements before starting a treatment including:
1. Check that the Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit is running and the water supply line is
connected to the water inlet.
2. Check that the drain line is inserted into a drain with an air gap.
3. Check that the power cord is plugged into a grounded, GFI-protected electrical outlet,
and the main power switch on the back of your machine is in the ON position.
4. Check that the heater switch on the back of your machine is in the ON position.
5. Check that the acid concentrate line (red connector) is inserted tightly into the red acid
port.
6. Check that the bicarbonate concentrate line (blue connector) is inserted tightly into the
blue bicarb port.
7. Check that the dialysate supply line (blue quick-connector) and the dialysate return line
(red quick-connector) are both firmly snapped onto the matching color connectors of the
shunt interlock.
8. Check that your machine has been recently disinfected, rinsed, tested for traces of
disinfectant, and is ready to use.
9. Check that the emergency hand crank for the blood pump is readily available.
10. Check that all of your supplies are prepared.

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Section 8
Entering the Prescription

Main learning concepts: Restating the prescription parameters, identification of commonly used
abbreviations within the prescription setting, how to change an incorrect entry, explain
significance of 2X dialysate autoflow, mathematical addition exercises, identification of milliliters
on fluid containers, impact of improper blood pressure cuff placement and use of the BP
module, acceptable blood pressure and pulse range, and purpose of 24 hour clock (military
time) vs. regular time. Stress the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and
procedures and emphasize the critical nature of correctly following their physicians prescription,
how to use the My Treatment Parameters card (see next page), the My Treatment Procedures
sheet, and the My Cleaning Procedures sheet.

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Key terms: Rx=prescription, parameter, conc=concentrate, Na+=sodium, dialysate flow,


bicarbonate, syringe, heparin, bolus, inflation pressure, interval, dry weight, Tx=treatment, dry
weight, maximum UF volume, 2X dialysate autoflow
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Set the prescription parameters
2. Identify commonly used abbreviations within the prescription setting
3. Explain significance of 2X dialysate autoflow
4. Demonstrate how to change an incorrect entry
5. Identify milliliters on fluid containers
6. Compute simple mathematical equations needed for machine input (or use calculator)
7. State their acceptable blood pressure and pulse range as determined by the physician
8. Compare military time with regular time

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Critical warnings, cautions and notes:


Warning: Setting the dialysate flow to a rate that is too low can negatively affect
dialyzer clearance and reduce treatment effectiveness. If 2X selects a flow rate below
your prescribed rate, you may manually set the dialysate flow to the desired value. Using
the wrong values could cause injury or death.
Warning: Your doctor must prescribe each of the values in the Rx Parameter screen.
Use the My Treatment Parameters sheet on page ii of the 2008K@home Users Guide
(P/N 490180). Using the wrong values could cause injury or death.
Instructions for entering the prescription:
1. Press Power key and touch the Rx Parameter button on the Select Program screen.
2. Touch the Conc button to enter Select Concentrate screen.
3. Use the Up/Down arrows to choose the prescribed concentrate.
4. Confirm selection with CONFIRM key.
5. Select each of the parameters (Na+, Dialysate Flow, Bicarbonate, Temperature) and
enter the prescribed parameters then confirm.
6. Touch Syringe button and enter prescribed syringe.
7. Select each of the parameters (Heparin Rate, Stop Heparin, Heparin Bolus) and enter
the prescribed parameters.
8. Touch Blood Pressure button and enter the prescribed alarm limits, Inflation Pressure,
and Interval then confirm.
9. Set the clock in the upper right corner of the Blood Pressure screen.
10. Select each of the parameters (Dry Weight, Tx Time, Max UF Vol) and enter the
prescribed parameters then confirm.
11. Touch Done button to complete entering prescription.

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Section 9
Machine Setup

Main learning concepts: Organizing and gathering supplies in a logical and consistent manner,
arranging for convenient access during setup, and checking the water system. Stress the
importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and procedures.
Key terms: Dialyzer, heparin, bloodlines, syringe, concentrate, and dialysis circuit.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Explain the steps for water system checks
2. Identify each needed supply for the hemodialysis treatment
Critical warnings: N/A
Instructions for setup preparation:
1. Obtain all of your supplies and arrange for convenient access during setup.
2. Ensure that water system is running and has been checked according to manufacturers
specification.
3. Press Power key and check if the machine requires rinse or disinfection.

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10

Section 10
Preparing Your Dialysate

Main learning concepts: Properly mixing concentrates, identification of appropriate acid and
bicarbonate connections, determining guidelines for sufficient concentrate throughout the
treatment, confirming concentrate prescription, and describing opportunities for potential errors.
Stress the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and procedures and the critical
role of dialysate in hemodialysis.
Key terms: Red acid port, red acid connector, acid concentrate jug, blue bicarb port, blue
bicarbonate connector, bicarbonate jug, acetate, pH, and conductivity.

Insert diagram of properly mixing concentrates


Action
A. Fill the dialysate jug with the
appropriate volume of RO water based
upon the type of bicarbonate concentrate
used.
B. Add one packet of bicarbonate powder
to the water.
C. Place the cap assembly on the
bicarbonate jug.
D. Mix the solution well by gently shaking
the jug. Keep mixing until the powder is
completely dissolved.
E. Once the bicarbonate is completely
dissolved, add more RO water to the
solution, to make the total volume for the
type of concentrate used. Gently mix the
solution.

Reason
A. Powdered concentrate will displace
water so do not fill completely until
powder has been added.
B. Be sure not to spill powder anywhere
but in the jug.
C. Capping the jug prevents spillage.
D. Twisting jug back and forth provides
enough agitation to dissolve powder.
E. The package will state the total volume
in liters required to assure the proper
dilution.

Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding


section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Demonstrate proper mixing of concentrates
2. Show appropriate acid and bicarbonate connections
3. Discern guidelines for sufficient concentrate throughout the treatment
4. Confirm concentrate prescription
5. Describe opportunities for potential errors
6. Explain critical role of dialysate in hemodialysis
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:

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Warning: Your jugs of acid and bicarbonate concentrates must match both your
prescription and your machine settings. Make sure they are correct before connecting.
Using the wrong concentrates may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: When your machine has stabilized, test the conductivity and approximate pH
of the dialysate with an independent device. Improper conductivity or pH may cause
serious injury or death.
Warning: Mix your bicarbonate according to your clinics instructions. Be sure the jugs
contain enough concentrate for your whole treatmentfill your concentrate jugs all the
way up to the top. If a jug runs out during treatment, a condition known as air lock may
occur, causing conductivity problems.

Instructions for dialysate setup:


1. Remove red acid connector and touch the Dialysis screen-button
2. Check prescribed concentrate is listed and that Na+ and Bicarbonate settings are
correct. Press CONFIRM key.
3. Connect red acid connector to acid concentrate jug. Connect blue bicarbonate connector
to bicarbonate jug. Provide enough concentrate for a full treatment.
4. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen

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Section 11
Testing your 2008K@home Machine (Tx Setup)

11

Main learning concepts: Purpose of testing the machine and frequency, how bar graph displays
time remaining in testing, how the done button is grayed-out and not selectable during the test,
explaining steps required to retest machine after failed test, explaining how the machine
indicates a failed test, recognizing Diasafe Plus filter frequency of testing if applicable, and
distinguishing two situations when a qualified technician is needed. Stress the importance of
mastery of the entire set-up process and procedures and the critical nature of passing all safety
checks.
Key terms: Hydraulic system, Alarm system, grayed-out, test progress bar graph, and Status
Box.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Explain testing the machine and testing frequency
2. Explain why the Done button is grayed out and how to read the test progress bar graph
3. Restate and explain the steps required to retest the machine after a failed test
4. Retell how the machine indicates a failed test
5. Distinguish two situations when a qualified technician is needed
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: After you select and confirm the Start Test button, your machine will beep.
This is a test of the audible alarm system; make certain that the sound occurs. If your
machine fails any of these tests and the cause cannot be corrected, do not start your
treatment. Contact your clinic immediately. Have your machine checked by a qualified
technician to correct the problem.
Testing (Tx Setup) Instructions:
1. Touch Start Test and press CONFIRM to begin testing machine
2. When Status Box reads Test Complete, press RESET to clear message
3. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen
4. Explain steps required to retest machine after failed test

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Section 12
Setting Up the Arterial Lines: Screen 1 (Tx Setup)

12

Main learning concepts: Principles of aseptic technique during arterial line connection process.
Explain components of the bloodline set and the functionality, explain importance of removing
numbered tape only when instructed, explain the risk of kinked lines, arterial line, arterial
access, arterial line clamp. Stress the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and
procedures.

Explain possible uses for bracket:


Hanging bloodlines if operator decides to remove them from
package early
Hanging patient end of arterial bloodline
Hanging saline line
Hanging blood pressure cuff

Key terms: Arterial drip chamber, blood pump, pump housing, transducer, transducer protector,
aseptic technique, arterial pressure port, sterile, bracket, tape, and bloodline set.

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Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding


section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Explain components of the bloodline set and the functionality
2. Connect the patient end of the arterial line to the drain bag
3. Feed the pump segment into the pump
4. Connect an arterial line to a dialyzer
5. Discuss the risk of kinked lines
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Note: Do not remove the tape from your bloodlines until necessary to snap them into the
machine.
Note: A bracket is provided to help you organize your bloodlines during setup, if
necessary.
Arterial Line Screen 1 setup instructions:
1. Explain components of the bloodline set and the functionality.
2. Insert dialyzer into holder
3. Hang drain bag on posts
4. Snap arterial drip chamber into holder.
5. Remove Tape 1 and demonstrate feeding pump segment into pump:
a. Open blood pump door, press and hold Start/Stop key until blood pump stops (to
align for placement of blood pump segment).
b. Firmly insert left side of pump segment into pump housing and make sure hard
plastic piece is below housing.
c. Press and hold Start/Stop key until pump segment is fully loaded and blood pump
stops.
6. Remove Tape 2 and connect arterial line to bottom of dialyzer.
7. Insert line into tubing guides and explain risk of kinked lines.
8. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 13
Arterial Lines: Screen 2 (Tx Setup)

13

Main learning concepts: Stress the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and
procedures. Explain functionality of transducer protectors, and explain why wet transducers
must be replaced.
Key terms: Drain bag, transducer protector, red and blue recirc connector
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Show how to tighten the red and blue recirc connectors
2. Demonstrate opening and closing clamps
3. Manipulate saline bags as needed
4. Change a wet transducer protector
5. Restate aseptic technique
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Use a sterile transducer protector between your machine and each pressure
monitor line so the transducers do not get wet. Wet transducer protectors must be
replaced, as they will cause inaccurate pressure readings.
Arterial Line Screen 2 setup instructions:
1. Connect patient end of arterial line to drain bag
2. Connect transducer protector to arterial pressure port and explain functionality of
transducer protectors. Show procedure to change wet TP.
3. Tighten the red and blue recirc connector
4. Close saline clamp
5. Hang saline bag
6. Remove Tape 3 and connect saline bag
7. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen

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Section 14
Venous Bloodline (Tx Setup)

14

Main learning concepts: Principles of aseptic technique during venous line connection. Stress
the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and procedures.
Key terms: Venous chamber, sensor heads, Venous Clamp Optical Detector, tubing guides,
medication clamps, and venous pressure port.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Discuss and review the blood circuit, venous blood lines, hemodialysis access and
preventing kinks in the bloodlines
2. Restate aseptic technique
3. Complete all venous line connections follow venous line setup instructions
4. Explain functionality of optical detector
5. Explain the functionality of transducer protectors and explain why wet transducers must
be replaced.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: If the drip chamber contains a filter, make certain the filter is below the sensor
heads.
Warning: The level detector must be calibrated for the venous line model being used.
Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: The tubing beneath the venous drip chamber must be inserted into the venous
line clamp and the optical detector.
Venous Line setup instructions:
1. Roll venous chamber into holder; make sure the filter is below the sensor heads.
2. Insert line into Venous Clamp and Optical Detector. Explain functionality of both
components again.
3. Connect patient end of venous line to drain bag.
4. Remove Tape 4 and connect venous line to dialyzer.
5. Insert line into tubing guides.
6. Connect transducer protector to venous pressure port.
7. Close both medication clamps.
8. Touch Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 15
Priming Blood Side (Tx Setup)

15

Main learning concepts: Utilizing my treatment procedures sheet to determine drip chamber
level. How to set drip chamber level. How the Done button is grayed-out and not selectable
during the priming process, How bar graph displays time remaining in priming process. Stress
the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and procedures.
Key terms: Gravity prime, prime, heparin, heparin line clamp, and recirculated saline.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Demonstrate proper use and function of the level detector.
2. Review air detector alarms.
3. Stress the importance and function of the air detector and transducers protector.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Review wet transducer procedure.
Warning: The Level Adjust on the Blood Pump module can only be used to raise the
level in the arterial chamber. Do not press the Level Adjust key so long that the
pressure transducer becomes wet. Wet transducer protectors must be replaced to avoid
false pressure readings.
Warning: Only use syringes prescribed by your doctor in the Heparin Pump module.
Make sure that there is enough heparin for your entire treatment. Do not load the
syringe beyond your prescribed amount.
Warning: The heparin pump is to be used only under positive pressure conditions.
Under negative pressure conditions, too much heparin may be infused.
Caution: The syringe must be properly loaded for your machine to add heparin during
treatment.
Prime Blood Side Instructions:
1. Prime heparin line, close heparin clamp, and insert your selected syringe.
2. Open saline line clamp.
3. Gravity prime arterial patient line to drain bag.
4. Close arterial patient line clamp.
5. Turn on the blood pump.
6. Set arterial drip chamber level using the arterial Level Up key on the Blood Pump.
7. Touch the Prime button and press CONFIRM twice to begin priming.
8. Touch Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 16
Prime Dialysate Side: Screen 1 (Tx Setup)

16

Main learning concepts: Importance of testing dialysate for proper pH and conductivity, explain
why it is necessary to use an independent meter to test the dialysate, explain what is residual
disinfectant and why it is necessary to test for it.
Key terms: Dialysate, conductivity, pH, independent device or meter, residual disinfectant
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Demonstrate how to take a dialysate sample for testing
2. Test the dialysate for conductivity using an independent meter
3. Enter the values displayed on the meter into the 2008K@home parameter-buttons on
the screen
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: After testing the dialysate through independent means (e.g., using a
conductivity meter and pH paper or meter), verify that the conductivity is reasonably
close to the theoretical value (TCD) and the pH is between 6.9 and 7.6. The machine
must also be free of residual disinfectant. If these conditions are not met, do not initiate
dialysis.
Note: If your conductivity or pH values are out of range, the Dialogue Box will alert you.
Make sure that the value you entered matches your test reading. If the value is still out
of range, take a new dialysate sample to test.
Dialysate Testing Instructions:
1. Verify the following:
a. Dialysate lines on shunt
b. Conductivity and temperature stabilized
c. Independent meter is properly calibrated
d. Patient has a clean, non-foam container for collection
2. Open shunt door and unsnap blue dialysate line
3. Rinse container and collect sample
4. Close shunt door
5. Open shunt door and snap blue dialysate line back on shunt.
6. Test dialysate with an independent device
7. Enter conductivity
8. Enter pH
9. Press the CONFIRM key
10. Touch the Done button to continue

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Section 17
Prime Dialysate Side: Screen 2 (Tx Setup)

17

Main learning concepts: Restate why dialyzer is rotated, purpose of recirculation, how to clear
air from the dialyzer, how the done button is grayed-out and not selectable during the test and
recirc, and emphasize the importance of clearing all air from the dialyzer and lines by priming to
the end of the lines, how to read the test and recirc progress bar graph
Key terms: Venous side of dialyzer, arterial side of dialyzer, shunt door, and shunt interlock.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Demonstrate tight connections
2. Demonstrate priming the tubing and dialyzer
3. State purpose of rotating the dialyzer
4. Identify correct connections and sequence of connections
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: All quick-connectors must be tightly connected to prevent air from entering
the dialysate circuit or dialysate leaks.
Note: If all the air has not been cleared from your dialyzer, turn your dialyzer upside
down and right side up again.
Note: Make sure the saline has reached the end of the bloodline when priming.
Prime Dialysate Side Instructions:
1. Rotate dialyzer.
2. Connect blue dialysate line to venous side of dialyzer and red dialysate line to arterial
side of dialyzer.
3. Close drain bag clamp
4. Open arterial patient line clamp.
5. Touch Recirc Saline and press CONFIRM to begin recirculation.
6. When recirculation is complete, touch Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 18
Entering Tx Parameters (Tx Setup)

18

Main learning concepts: Mathematical addition exercises, identification of milliliters on fluid


containers, impact of incorrect UF setting, conversion of pounds to kilograms, and the
importance of following the physicians prescription. Discuss the concept of estimated dry
weight and target weight. Stress the importance of mastery of the entire set-up process and
procedures.
Key terms: UF=ultrafiltration, kilograms, rinse back volume, and estimated dry weight.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Describe addition of rinse back volume to Additional Volume
2. Discuss impact of incorrect UF setting
3. Enter weight in kilograms
4. Explain concepts of estimated dry weight and target weight and importance of following
the physicians prescription
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Review impact of incorrect mathematical equations
Note: Your weight must be measured in kilograms.
Enter Tx parameter Instructions:
1. To calculate a new UF goal, touch the UF Calculator button.
a. Touch the Pre Weight button and enter your weight.
b. Touch the Additional Volume button and enter amount.
c. Press CONFIRM to confirm changes.
d. Touch Done button to go to the next screen.
2. Explain units required for UF calculator and recommend scale with units in kg (not with
lbs).
3. Review new UF goal and touch the Done button again to go to the next screen.

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Section 19
Starting your Treatment (Tx Connect)

19

Main learning concepts: Adherence to prescription and treatment procedures, aseptic


technique, identification of critical checks prior to connecting for treatment, identification of
milliliters on fluid containers, impact of improper blood pressure cuff placement and use of the
BP module, and acceptable blood pressure and pulse range.
Key terms: Ultrafiltration, aseptic, dialysate, kilogram, bypass mode, conductivity, pH, bolus,
hemolysis, transducer, transmembrane pressure, dialysate flow rate, systolic pressure, and
diastolic pressure.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Review and demonstrate connection of the acid and bicarbonate lines
2. Understand the rational for the emergency hand crank and demonstrate how to operate
it
3. Demonstrate how to test for traces of disinfectant
4. Perform simple mathematical addition exercises and calculate military time
5. Demonstrate how to properly fit the blood pressure cuff and use the blood pressure
module
6. Touch the Tx Connect button to move to the next set of on-screen instructions.
7. Independently initiate their treatment by cannulating their blood access, connecting their
bloodlines, and beginning their treatment
8. Explain when and why a transducer protector should be changed
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
The patient must demonstrate competency of the following machine checks prior to connecting
for treatment:
Check that the machine has passed all pressure and alarm tests.
Check that the dialysate is at proper temperature and conductivity.
Check that the dialysate is tested and free of traces of disinfectant.
Check that the machines bypass mode is functioning correctly by opening and
closing the shunt door and watching the float in the dialyzer line.
Warning: If any of the conditions listed above have not been met, you must correct
them before continuing with your treatment preparation. Failure to do so may cause
serious injury or death.
Warning: You must test the conductivity and approximate pH of the dialysate with an
independent device before connecting for treatment. Improper conductivity or pH may
cause serious injury or death.
The patient must restate the following warnings and explain reasoning behind each. If any of
the safety checks described in Error! Reference source not found. failed and were not
corrected, the patient must not start the treatment. Failure to do so may cause serious injury
or death. Improper conductivity or pH may cause serious injury or death. Bloodlines and
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dialysate lines must be checked for leaks after the treatment has started. Access sites must be
uncovered and monitored. Improper bloodline connections or needle dislodgements can result
in excessive blood loss, serious injury and death. Check all bloodlines for kinking as improper
blood flow may cause hemolysis. Do not raise blood level so high in the arterial drip chamber
that the transducer becomes wet. Keep fingers clear of the blood pump rotor when it is running.
Serious injury may occur.
Warning: If any of the conditions listed above have not been met, you must correct
them before continuing with your treatment preparation. Failure to do so may cause
serious injury or death.
Warning: You must test the conductivity and approximate pH of the dialysate with an
independent device before connecting for treatment. Improper conductivity or pH may
cause serious injury or death.

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Section 20
Flush Saline (Tx Connect)

20

Main learning concepts: The purpose of performing a saline flush before the start of the
treatment. How to properly flush the lines with saline. Explain how to verify the patient ends of
the bloodlines have been flushed properly. Stress the importance of mastery of the entire setup process and procedures.
Key terms: Blood pump, gravity flush, arterial line, drain bag, saline bag, saline, level detector,
level adjust, drip chamber, and venous clamp, recirculated saline.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Restate how to perform a saline flush and why it is done
2. Retell and stress what to do in the case of an air detector alarm and how to prevent
them
Flush saline instructions:
1. Explain why saline is flushed before start of treatment.
2. Press the Start/Stop key on the Blood Pump module to stop blood pump.
3. Change saline bag.
4. Open drain bag clamp and gravity flush arterial line to drain bag.
5. Close clamp on patient end of arterial bloodline.
6. Start blood pump.
7. 300 ml saline into drain bag.
8. Stop blood pump.
9. Close saline, drain bag, and venous clamps.
10. Verify that line is flushed and set toggle-button to Yes, then CONFIRM.
11. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Ensure that the level detector system has been tested before treatment is started.
Make certain that there is enough saline in the bag for the entire treatment.
Pay close attention to the saline bag level until 300 ml has been disposed into the drain bag.
Ensure that the clamps are closed after 300 ml of saline has been drained.
Warning: You must test the Level Detector system before treatment. To test your
machine: Press the Down Level Adjust key to lower the fluid level in the venous drip
chamber. Remove your machine from service if the blood pump does not stop and the
Venous Clamp does not close. Press the Up Level Adjust key to raise the venous drip
chamber level again.

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Section 21
Connect Bloodlines (Tx Connect)

21

Main learning concepts: Connection of the correct line segments to the correct section of the
vascular access (arterial line to arterial access and venous line to venous access), and proper
administration of heparin bolus, if prescribed.
Key terms: Arterial line, arterial access, venous line, venous access, drain bag, heparin line, and
heparin bolus
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Restate and demonstrate how to disconnect the arterial line from drain bag and connect
to it to the arterial access and then disconnect the venous line from the drain bag and
connect it to the venous access
2. Verbalize the purpose of heparin and administer the heparin bolus if prescribed by their
physician.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Check all bloodlines and dialysate lines for leaks after your treatment has
started. Keep access sites uncovered and monitored. Improper bloodline connections
or needle dislodgements can result in excessive blood loss, serious injury and death.
Machine alarms may not occur in every blood loss situation.
Warning: Check all bloodlines for kinking. Improper blood flow may cause hemolysis of
the blood.
Warning: Infusing recirculated saline is not recommended. Use fresh, sterile saline, if
required.
Flush saline instructions:
1. Remove Tape 5
2. Disconnect arterial line from Drain Bag and connect to arterial access
3. Remove Tape 6
4. Disconnect venous line from Drain Bag and connect to venous access
5. Open bloodline clamps at the patient ends of the arterial and venous bloodlines and
open both access line clamps
6. Open heparin line clamp
7. Infuse bolus if prescribed
8. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 22
Start Treatment (Tx Connect)

22

Main learning concepts: Initiating prescribed blood flow rate while monitoring tolerance of the
vascular access, acceptable machine pressures (arterial, venous, and TMP) and any blood
alarms. Initiating treatment. Calculating TMP using UF Rate displayed on Home screen and
Dialyzer Coefficient or KUF from dialyzer instruction sheet.
Key terms: Blood pump, Pump Speed, Tx Paused, Tx Running, Arterial Pressure, Venous
Pressure, Transmembrane Pressure (TMP), KUF, dialyzer ultrafiltration coefficient.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Demonstrate how to begin their treatment by setting the blood pump speed and then
starting the Blood Pump and slowly raising the speed to the prescribed blood flow rate
2. Turn on the Tx Clock (Tx Running)
3. Restate how to adjust the level of the arterial drip chamber
4. Explain importance of arterial, venous, and TMP pressure and associated alarm
windows
5. Explain importance of having enough concentrate for the entire treatment
6. Calculate approximate expected TMP using the following equation:

UF Rate
Dialyzer Coefficient or KUF

Approximate
Expected TMP

Critical warnings, cautions and notes:


Warning: The Level Adjust (S) key can only raise the blood level in the arterial drip
chamber. Do not raise the level so high that the transducer protector becomes wet. Wet
transducer protectors must be replaced. Failure to do so may cause injury or death.
Warning: Keep fingers clear of the blood pump rotor when it is running. Serious injury
may occur.
Warning: Check all bloodline connections for leaks after your treatment has started.
Improper bloodline connections could cause blood loss and death. Keep your access
site uncovered.
Caution: If you run out of concentrates during treatment, turn the dialysate flow pumps
off before replacing a jug. The pumps must be off to avoid drawing air into the system,
as it can cause dialysate concentrate pump errors. To turn off dialysate flow in the
dialysis Home screen: Touch the Dialysate Flow button to highlight it, and then use
the Down Arrow (T) key on the data entry keypad to set the button to Off. Press the
CONFIRM key to confirm the selection. Turn dialysate flow back on to your prescribed
rate when you resume treatment.

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Warning: Dialysate leaks in the dialyzer will add to your ultrafiltration rate. Watch the
system for fluid leaks. Stop your treatment if you cannot correct any fluid leak quickly.
Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: When blood flow is established, check the bloodlines for air. Air must not
enter your access lines.
Warning: The pressure changes from an access line separation or needle
dislodgement may be too small for your machine to detect. All access sites and
connections must be uncovered, properly, secured and checked regularly. Failure to do
so may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: After starting dialysis, calculate to see if the TMP corresponds to the
dialyzers ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF). TMP must be closely monitored with the alarm
limits. The TMP may not change substantially during UF errors when high permeable
dialyzers are in use. A fluctuating TMP may indicate a leak in the dialysate side of the
system. Some, but not all, UF errors can be checked by measuring the volumetric
accuracy of the UF pump via the fluid sample port using a graduated cylinder. If the
cause cannot be corrected quickly, discontinue treatment.
Warning: After starting dialysis, calculate to see if the TMP corresponds to the
dialyzers ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF). TMP must be closely monitored with the alarm
limits. The TMP may not change substantially during UF errors when high permeable
dialyzers are in use. A fluctuating TMP may indicate a leak in the dialysate side of the
system. Some, but not all, UF errors can be checked by measuring the volumetric
accuracy of the UF pump via the fluid sample port using a graduated cylinder. If the
cause cannot be corrected quickly, discontinue treatment.

Starting the blood pump instructions:


1. Set the blood pump speed and turn the blood pump on. Gradually increase speed to
prescribed blood flow rate.
2. Touch the Tx Paused button and press CONFIRM to start treatment (Tx Running)
3. Explain importance of arterial, venous, and TMP pressure and the associated alarm
windows
4. Touch the Done button to go to the Home screen

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Section 23
Monitoring the Treatment (Home Screen)

23

Main learning concepts: Monitoring arterial, venous, and TMP pressures, monitor Dialogue Box
for most recent blood pressure and heart rate, and use of Screen Sleep button to darken screen
like a screen saver.
Key terms: Arterial Pressure, Venous Pressure, Transmembrane Pressure (TMP), Dialogue
Box, and Screen Sleep buttonMethod to darken the display.
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Identify important readings on the Dialysis Home Screen, including the transmembrane
pressure (TMP), arterial and venous pressures, the blood pressure and the heart rate
2. Demonstrate how to darken the dialysis Home screen
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: The values shown here are for example only. You must use the values
prescribed by your doctor. If you use the wrong values, it may cause serious injury or
death.
Warning: Your dialysate flow must be monitored. The flow must be set to your
prescribed flow rate. Without proper dialysate flow, your machine cannot remove
enough waste from your blood. This may cause injury.
Monitoring the Treatment Instructions:
1. Explain how parameters can be adjusted on the Home screen, if required
2. Monitor the bloodline connections, arterial, venous, and TMP pressures; DO NOT allow
concentrates to run out during treatment
3. Measure and document patients vital signs according to home program protocol
4. Address Alarm and Warning messages without delay
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Section 24
Ending the Treatment

24

Main learning concepts: Adherence to prescription and treatment procedures


Following correct sequence of actions when UF Goal is reached. Interpretation of machine
indicators for end of treatment, preparing for appropriate bloodline disposal
Key terms: UF Goal, Tx Time, fluid overload, Status Box, recirc connector, shunt door, shunt
interlock
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize their understanding of how they know their treatment is completed and how to
begin the end of treatment procedure
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: The UF Goal Reached alert is an important feature of the 2008K@home
hemodialysis machine. Reaching the prescribed UF Goal is important. If the patient does
not reach their prescribed UF Goal, it may lead to fluid overload, serious injury and
death.

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25

Section 25
Check Saline (Tx End)

Main learning concepts: Adherence to treatment procedures. Identification of correct fluid


volume in a plastic bag using milliliters. Calculating the required amount of saline required to
return the blood in the extracorporeal circuit based on the priming volume of the bloodlines and
the dialyzer, identifying which clamps are used for the procedure. Replacing the saline bag if
not enough fluid is left to complete blood return.
Key terms: Saline, rinse back
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Evaluate the amount of saline left in the saline bag and determine if it is enough to rinse
back the blood in the extracorporeal circuit. If not, demonstrate using aseptic technique,
how to hang a fresh bag of saline.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Check saline bag for adequate volume and change if necessary.
Check saline instructions:
1. Stop blood pump.
2. Check saline bag volume and change if necessary.
3. Close arterial clamps.
4. Close both saline line clamps.
5. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen.

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Section 26
Return Blood (Tx End)

26

Main learning concepts: Adherence to treatment procedures, maintaining aseptic technique,


identifying which clamps are used for the procedure, and making secure connections to avoid
leaks.
Key terms: Arterial access line, patient end of the arterial line, recirc connector, and Optical
Detector.

Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding


section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Restate and demonstrate the steps required to return their blood
2. Identify the sensor that detects blood remaining in the bloodline
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Check all bloodlines and dialysate lines for leaks. Keep access sites
uncovered and monitored. Improper bloodline connections or needle dislodgements can
result in excessive blood loss, serious injury and death. Machine alarms may not occur
in every blood loss situation.
Return blood instructions:
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1.
2.
3.
4.

46

Connect arterial line to red recirc connector


Open clamps R & A
Start blood pump to return blood
Touch the Done button to go to the next screen

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27

Section 27
Disconnect (Tx End)

Main learning concepts: Adherence to procedures. Use aseptic technique when disconnecting
from access and performing access care.
Key terms: Venous patient line, venous access line, access site, and infection
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Restate and demonstrate how to disconnect the bloodlines from the blood access.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: You must wait until the blood pump is stopped before completing the
disconnect (Tx End) steps.
Disconnect instructions:
1. After blood pump has stopped, close clamp on saline line
2. Close clamp on Arterial bloodline
3. Disconnect patient end of the venous line from the venous access line
4. Disconnect from access
5. When these steps are completed, touch the Done button to go to the next screen.

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28

Section 28
Emptying (Tx End)
Main learning concepts: Adherence to procedures.

Key terms: Priming set, red and blue recirc connector, venous line, rotate dialyzer, shunt, and
shunt interlock
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Restate and demonstrate the steps to complete the end of treatment procedures.
Emptying instructions:
1. Disconnect the saline line and bag from the bloodlines.
2. Connect the arterial and venous lines together with the red and blue recirc connector.
3. Open the arterial and venous line clamps.
4. Rotate the dialyzer so the venous line is on top.
5. Open the shunt door, take the blue dialysate line off the dialyzer and connect the blue
dialysate connector to the shunt interlock.
6. Close the shunt door.
7. When the dialysate compartment is empty, touch the Done button to go to the next
screen.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Caution: Do not forcefully pull the lines from your machine. Damage to your machine
or its sensors may result. Open the pump door and press the Start/Stop key on the
Blood Pump module (see Your K Map: D) to re-align the rotor so you can remove the
bloodline more easily. Rotate the Optical Detector door open before taking the line from
the Venous Clamp.
Warning: Keep fingers clear of the blood pump rotor when it is running. Serious injury
may occur.

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29

Section 29
Cleansing (Tx End)
Acid Clean and Heat Disinfect; Acid Clean, Chemical Disinfect and Rinse

Main learning concepts: Difference between rinsing, cleaning and disinfecting the dialysis
machine, difference between cleaning and disinfecting schedule, appropriate cleaning and
disinfecting agents, preparation of dilute (1:100) bleach solutions, cleaning of the machines
exterior, cleaning of the blood pressure cuff, transducer contamination policy, disinfection of the
concentrate containers, explaining Put connectors in chem, explaining Put Connectors to
ports, testing for negative bleach residual according to unit policy, explaining purpose of
rinsing, cleaning and disinfecting.
Key terms: Cleaning, disinfecting, acid clean, heat disinfection, rinsing, vinegar, rinse cycle,
chemical disinfectant jug, rinse port, corrosive, and rotor
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize their understanding of the importance of cleaning their machine according to
the procedures recommended by their clinic
2. Restate the types of cleaners that should and should not be used in and on their
machine
3. Demonstrate how to return the connectors to the ports and put the red dialysate
connector into the shunt, all with tight connections.
4. Restate and demonstrate how to clean the outside of the machine and the blood
pressure cuff
5. Demonstrate an acid cleaning procedure and a heat disinfection procedure
6. Explains the importance of the bleach test strip being negative after a chemical
disinfection
7. Explain why the cleaning and disinfection screen prompt (pop-up) on the Select
Program screen would be displayed and how to clear the message.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Your clinic must decide your cleaning procedures. Failure to follow your
clinics procedures could lead to serious injury or death. Thoroughly cleaning the exterior
of your 2008K@home machine after every treatment is critical to prevent the spread of
bacteria and viruses like Hepatitis. Use surface cleaners in small amounts to avoid
excess cleaner from getting into your machine. Rinse off cleaning solutions with a
water-dampened cloth, especially if a corrosive cleaner such as bleach is used.
Caution: Do not use foaming type cleansers or disinfectants containing quaternary
ammonium compounds like N-alkyl (C12 C18) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.
These chemicals attack the polycarbonate plastics used in your machine. Read the
product labels and follow the instructions. Call Technical Services or your clinic if you
have questions.

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Warning: Bent or loose tubing guide posts can damage bloodlines. Replace rotor if
necessary.
Warning: Disinfect your machine immediately after your treatment if a blood leak alarm
occurs.
Warning: When chemicals are used inside your machine, it must be thoroughly rinsed
and tested for remaining disinfectant before your next treatment. Your machine must be
labeled with the chemical used and instructions to rinse and test for remaining
chemicals. Rinsing your machine does not disinfect your machine. Acid cleaning does
not disinfect the machine. Test your machine for remaining disinfectant before starting
your treatment after a chemical disinfection.
Warning: Do not come into contact with the steam from your machines vent during
heat disinfection. Steam and machine parts affected by heat disinfection will be hot and
can cause burns.
Note: Your machine must be connected to an approved water source, the drain line
connected to a drain, the dialysate supply lines on the shunt interlock with the shunt door
closed, and the concentrate connectors tightly seated in their rinse ports to run these
programs.
Caution: Do not use chlorine solutions or high-temperature steam-cleaners on the
blood pressure cuff. If using a chemical soak, test a small area of the cuff for possible
staining. Rinse well to remove any remaining disinfectant. When machine washing, be
sure that the hook and loop fasteners are connected so the hooks do not collect lint or
other fibers. The fasteners can melt at temperatures above 132C (325F), when being
ironed or pressed. Follow the manufacturers instructions.

Cleansing (Tx End) instructions:


1. Return red dialysate connector to shunt.
2. Discard bloodline circuit.
3. Return blue bicarbonate connector to port.
4. Return red concentrate connector to port.
5. Touch the Done button to go to the next screen.
Acid Clean and Heat Disinfect instructions:
1. Return acid and bicarb concentrate connectors to machine ports. The Select Program
screen will appear.
2. Touch the Acid Clean button; the lines will be rinsed.
3. Put connectors in chem message will appear. Connect acid concentrate connector to
acid and bicarb connector to vinegar.
4. Press CONFIRM to start.
5. When completed, the message Put Connectors to ports will appear. Put acid and
bicarb connectors into respective ports and CONFIRM to exit.
6. Touch the Heat Disinfect button.
7. Machine will shut itself off when done if the Off After Heat Disin option is set in Service
Mode. If not, press CONFIRM and then press and hold POWER key to turn off machine
after the heat disinfect.
Acid Clean, Chemical Disinfect and Rinse Instructions:
1. Return acid and bicarb concentrate connectors to machine ports. The Select Program
screen will appear.
2. Touch the Acid Clean button; the lines will be rinsed.

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3. Put connectors in chem message will appear. Connect acid concentrate connector to
acid and bicarb connector to vinegar.
4. Press CONFIRM to start.
5. When completed, the message Put Connectors to ports will appear. Put acid and
bicarb connectors into respective ports and CONFIRM to exit.
6. Touch the Chemical/Rinse button.
7. Put Red wand in chem. message will appear. Connect acid concentrate connector to
disinfectant container (yellow connector bottle) and press CONFIRM.
8. When completed, the message Return Connector in port will appear. Return Acid
concentrate connector to machine port and machine will initiate a 15 minute mandatory
rinse.
9. Test for negative bleach residual according to unit policy. DO NOT interrupt the
mandatory rinse cycle. This MUST be completed. Press and hold POWER key to turn off
machine once test for bleach is negative.

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Section 30
Troubleshooting Alarms

30

Introduction: Your 2008K@home machine has an advanced system of features that work for
your safety. Electronic sensors and diagnostic software constantly monitor your machines
operation. When problems or possible problems are detected, your machine warns you with
Status Box messages and, in some cases, audible alarms. Audible alarms are deactivated
when dialyzer supply lines are on the shunt interlock and/or the Tx Clock is running, unless
blood is sensed. Your 2008K@home machine may be set to silence all audible alarms until
blood is sensed in the venous line. When selected, the audible alarms occur only if the
dialysate lines are off the shunt interlock and the optical sensor in the level detector module
senses blood. This option is set in Service Mode by a qualified technician and is selected by
your clinic. Otherwise, alarms are always audible when dialysate lines are off the shunt
interlock.
During an alarm, the Status Box background turns bright red and an audible alarm sounds. The
Help screen-button in the lower right corner of the display may flash if additional information on
troubleshooting the problem is available. For alarm procedures, use the troubleshooting section
of this manual and as listed in the users guide.
Main learning concepts: Prioritizing alarms, what alarms indicate, correct order of response
steps, troubleshooting alarms
Key terms: Status Box, Dialogue Box, Blood Alarms, Dialysate Alarms, Other Alarms,
Troubleshooting, Reset, Override, Mute, Help screen-button, alarm, alarm window, warning
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a blood alarm, demonstrating how to
reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide and/or using your machines
built-in Help screen.
3. Verbalize understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
All alarms need your immediate attention. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death.
Your machine may not alarm with all blood loss situations. Your access site must be uncovered,
properly secured, and checked regularly throughout the dialysis treatment. Failure to do so may
lead to excessive blood loss which can cause serious injury or death. You must correct the
condition causing a blood alarm before clearing the alarm.
Reacting to Alarms
The Mute and Reset keys on the 2008K@home control panel are used in the course of
handling most alarms:
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Mute: Press the Mute key to silence an alarm for two minutes or until another alarm event
occurs. The red light above the key illuminates when an alarm is muted.
Reset: Press the Reset key to reset the machine after an alarm. Press and hold the Reset
key for two seconds to spread the alarm window by 300 mm Hg for arterial and venous
pressures and fully open the transmembrane (TMP) pressure window for 30 seconds. The
light above the Reset key will not be on when the alarm window has been spread.

Types of Alarms
There are three categories of alarms:
1. Blood Related Alarms
Blood alarm events have the highest priority. When a blood alarm occurs:
The blood pump stops.
The venous clamp on the level detector occludes.
The UF pump stops.
RTD stops
During a blood leak alarm, press and hold the RESET key for three seconds to override the
alarm and keep the blood pump running for three minutes. The light above the RESET key will
be on during an override.
2. Dialysate Related Alarms
During a dialysate alarm (temperature or conductivity), the blood system continues to operate,
but the dialysate is run through the machine instead of the dialyzer. This is called bypass and
can be observed by watching the float in the dialyzer supply line. During bypass, the float will
remain still at the bottom of the flow indicator. Contrarily, a high or low flow error will not cause
the machine to go into bypass. Dialysate alarms are self-resetting when the alarm condition is
corrected. Temperature and conductivity alarms do not occur during the pure UF mode of
sequential dialysis when there is no dialysate flow.
3. Other Alarms
Other alarms may relate to machine parts like the heparin pump or UF pump, BPM, BVM, BTM,
etc.
Troubleshooting
The 2008K@home Users Guide contains a table of all alarms the machines software can
detect. Your 2008K@home machine is also equipped with a 9-Volt battery that sounds an alarm
if the power fails. The power failure procedure is contained in the Alarms and Troubleshooting
section of the 2008K@home Users Guide. Other potentially hazardous situations that may go
undetected such as fluid spills/leaks or damage to the machine must be observed by the
operator. Be sure to resolve all problems quickly.

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Section 31
Troubleshooting Specific Blood Alarms
and Dialysate Alarms

31

1. Air Detector Alarm


Main learning concepts: Air is sensed by the ultrasound detector at the venous drip chamber,
the status line populates with Air Detector Alarm and the blood pump stops to prevent air from
being delivered to the patient.
Key terms: Status box, venous drip chamber, reset button, ultrasound detector, sensors,
bloodline
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of an air detector alarm, demonstrating how
to reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Machines level detector module must be calibrated for the venous line being used. The
machine is compatible with a number of venous lines, Follow instructions for adjusting the level
in the venous drip chamber. Visually check that the venous clamp is capable of fully closing the
model of bloodline you are using. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. The air
detector alarm is a critical safety feature that alerts the user of potential air in the bloodline. You
must properly place the venous drip chamber in its holder and set the proper blood/saline level
in the venous drip chamber. Avoid overfilling. Please contact your physician if you have any
questions about the proper operation of the air detector or how to attach the venous bloodline.
2. Blood Pump Stop Alarm
Main learning concept: a stopped blood pump increases the risk of the dialyzer clotting that will
result in blood loss and decreased adequacy
Key Terms: blood pump door, blood pump segment, hand crank
Recommended return demonstrations: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a blood pump stop alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm

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2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
A sustained blood pump stoppage can contribute to a clotted extracorporeal system
3. Arterial Pressure Alarm - LOW
Main learning concepts: the pressure inside the arterial drip chamber is below the set alarm
limits indicating kinking, clotting or line obstruction, access spasms, occlusions at the tip of the
needle caused by patient movement.
Key Terms: Arterial drip chamber, access, blood pump, transducer protector, RESET key
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding section
of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a low arterial pressure alarm,
demonstrating how to reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Inadequate dialysis will result with decreased blood flow.
4. Arterial Pressure Alarm - HIGH
Main learning concepts: The pressure inside the arterial drip chamber is above the set alarm
limits indicating a potential problem with the access being able to deliver the blood flow as set
on the blood pump or there may be kinking or clotting within the extracorporeal system
Key Terms: Arterial drip chamber, access, blood pump, transducer protector, RESET key
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a high arterial pressure alarm,
demonstrating how to reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Hemolysis can occur when the arterial pressure is indicating that the access cannot supply the
blood required by the blood pump.

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5. Venous Pressure Alarm LOW


Main learning concepts: Low pressure is detected in the venous drip chamber that may indicate
a kink in the line that could result in hemolysis or a line separation that could introduce air into
the system in addition to blood loss.
Key Terms: Venous chamber, transducer protector, RESET Key
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a low venous pressure alarm,
demonstrating how to reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
If hemolysis occurs do not return hemolyzed blood to the patient.
6. Venous Pressure Alarm - HIGH
Main learning concepts: High pressure is detected in the venous drip chamber that may
indicate a kink in the line that could result in hemolysis or a line separation that could introduce
air into the system in addition to blood loss.
Key Terms: Venous drip chamber, transducer protector, RESET key
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding section
of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a high venous pressure alarm,
demonstrating how to reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
In case of a line separation the patient could exsanguate (bleed to death) or receive an air
emboli (air entering the blood vessels). These are very serious complications and may cause
severe injury or death.
7. TMP Alarm - Low (toward or below 0)
Main learning concepts: Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) is the difference in pressure between
the filtrate and permeate sides of the dialyzer membrane. TMP = Dialysate Pressure Venous
Pressure

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Key terms: TMP, ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF), dialysate pressure, Ultrafiltration rate, blood
flow rate, dialysate flow rate, dialysate line filter screen, UF Goal
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a low TMP alarm, demonstrating how to
reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
To keep dialysate from moving into the bloodstream, blood compartment pressure must be
equal to or greater than dialysate compartment pressure
Warning: Verify that that the TMP corresponds to the ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF) of
the dialyzer. TMP must be closely monitored with the alarm limits. The TMP may not
change substantially during UF errors when high permeable dialyzers are in use. A
fluctuating TMP may indicate a malfunction in the balancing system and could result in
UF errors and/or serious injury. If unable to reset alarm, discontinue treatment and notify
home training nurse and/or a qualified technician.
8. TMP Alarm - High (Toward 500)
Main learning concepts: Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) is the difference in pressure between
the filtrate and permeate sides of the dialyzer membrane. TMP = Dialysate Pressure Venous
Pressure and are dependent on the Ultrafiltration rate, ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF) of the
dialyzer, and the blood and dialysate flow rate.
Key Terms: TMP, ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF) dialysate pressure, ultrafiltration rate, blood
flow rate, dialysate flow rate, dialysate line filter screen, UF Goal
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a high TMP alarm, demonstrating how to
reset the alarm and adjust the alarm limits
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
To keep dialysate from moving into the bloodstream, blood compartment pressure must be
equal to or greater than dialysate compartment pressure
Warning: Verify that that the TMP corresponds to the ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF) of
the dialyzer. TMP must be closely monitored with the alarm limits. The TMP may not
change substantially during UF errors when high permeable dialyzers are in use. A
fluctuating TMP may indicate a malfunction in the balancing system and could result in

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UF errors and/or serious injury. If unable to reset alarm, discontinue treatment and notify
home training nurse and/or a qualified technician.

9. Fill in One Hour Alarm


Main learning concepts: Frequent fill programs may mean air is in the balancing system, some,
but not all UF errors can be checked by measuring the volumetric accuracy of the UF pump via
the fluid sample port.
Key terms: Balancing, dialysate
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a fill in one hour alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: This alarm may indicate a leak in the hydraulic system. Check for loose
connections or for air entering the system. Failure to correct this alarm could result in
inadequate fluid removal. If unable to correct alarm, notify home training nurse and/or a
qualified technician.
10. Blood Leak Alarm
Main learning concepts: The blood leak detector has detected the presence of blood or air in
the dialysate. This may be caused from an air leak especially at the connectors and the filter or
a break in the fibers of the dialyzer. If this occurs, the patient could have major blood loss
and/or the blood could be contaminated by the nonsterile dialysate.
Key Terms: Blood leak detector, Hemastix
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a blood leak alarm, demonstrating how to
reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Positive blood leak can result in the patient blood coming in contact with nonsterile dialysate
and could develop sepsis or hemolysis
Warning: Follow facilitys blood leak policy. Reinfusing blood after a confirmed blood
leak may result in sepsis. Failure to heed to a blood leak alarm could result in blood loss.
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All alarms need your immediate attention. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or
death.

11. Conductivity Alarm Low


Main learning concepts: Conductivity is the ability of a fluid to transfer electrical charge. It is a
measure of ions in solution, the conductivity meter measures the electrolyte composition of
dialysate to be sure it is within safe limits, a conductivity alarm Low, means the actual of
measured conductivity has exceeded the low conductivity alarm limit and the machine is in
bypass. Bypass is a safety feature that cuts off the flow of fresh dialysate to the dialyzer and
shunts it to the drain. Bypass prevents unsafe dialysate from reaching the patient and causing
harm.
Key words: Bypass, conductivity, dialysate
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a low conductivity alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
The conductivity alarm is an important safety feature of your dialysis treatment. You must fill
your concentrate jugs to the top at the beginning of each treatment. During treatment you must
keep your jugs full enough so you do not run low on concentrate. Failure to change your jugs
when they run low will prevent you from receiving your prescribed dialysis and may lead to
serious injury or death
Warning: Check conductivity and approximate pH of the dialysate with an independent
device prior to initiating treatment. Verify that the machine is set for the correct type of
concentrates used. Improper dialysate composition could result in serious injury or
death. Verify that the machine goes into bypass when this alarm occurs. See Alarms and
Troubleshooting Section of the users guide. If unable to reset alarm, discontinue
treatment and notify home training nurse and/or a qualified technician.
12. Conductivity Alarm High
Main learning concept: Conductivity is the ability of a fluid to transfer electrical charge. It is a
measure of ions in solution, the conductivity meter measures the electrolyte composition of
dialysate to be sure it is within safe limits, a conductivity alarm High, means the actual of
measured conductivity has exceeded the high conductivity alarm limit and the machine is in
bypass. Bypass is a safety feature that cuts off the flow of fresh dialysate to the dialyzer and
shunts it to the drain. Bypass prevents unsafe dialysate from reaching the patient and causing
harm.
Key Terms: Bypass, conductivity

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Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding section
of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a high conductivity alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: The conductivity alarm is an important safety feature of your dialysis
treatment. You must fill your concentrate jugs to the top at the beginning of each
treatment. During treatment you must keep your jugs full enough so you do not run low
on concentrate. Failure to change your jugs when they run low will prevent you from
receiving your prescribed dialysis and may lead to serious injury or death
Warning: Check conductivity and approximate pH of the dialysate with an independent
device prior to initiating treatment. Verify that the machine is set for the correct type of
concentrates used. Improper dialysate composition could result in serious injury or
death. Verify that the machine goes into bypass when this alarm occurs. See Alarms and
Troubleshooting Section of the 2008K@home Users Guide. If unable to reset alarm,
discontinue treatment and notify home training nurse and/or a qualified technician.
13. Temperature Alarm - High
Main learning concepts: A temperature alarm indicates that the dialysate temperature is too
high or too low. Dialysate that is too hot can cause hemolysis,
Key terms: Hemolysis
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a high temperature alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Hemolysis of the blood in the dialyzer may occur if the dialysate temperature goes higher than
42 C. Dialysate temperatures must be maintained below this level, do not return hemolyzed
blood.
Warning: High dialysate temperature could result in patient discomfort, hypotension
and/or hemolysis. Verify that the machine goes into bypass. Check that the machine is
set to the prescribed temperature. Discontinue treatment if unable to maintain prescribed
temperature and notify home training nurse and/or a qualified technician.

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14. Temperature Alarm Low


Main learning concepts: A temperature alarm indicates that the dialysate temperature is too hot
or too low. Too cool dialysate can cause patient discomfort and reduce the efficiency of the
treatment
Key terms: Dialysate
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a low temperature alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Frequent temperature or water flow alarms may indicate a problem with the water supply
Warning: Low dialysate temperature could result in patient discomfort. Verify that the
machine goes into bypass. Check that the machine is set to the prescribed temperature.
Discontinue treatment if unable to reach prescribed temperature and notify home training
nurse and/or a qualified technician.
15. Dialysate Flow Alarm
Main learning concepts: Can cause the machine to go into bypass affecting the adequacy of the
delivered dose of dialysis, potential for dialyzer clotting
Key terms: Delivered dose of dialysis, dialyzer clotting
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a dialysate flow alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Frequent dialysate alarms will result in the patient not receiving their delivered dose of dialysis.
Please contact your physician and a qualified service technician.
16. Heparin Pump Alarm
Main learning concepts: Heparin is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) used during dialysis so blood
will flow freely through the extracorporeal circuit. The heparin pump consists of a syringe

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holder, a piston and an electric motor used to continuously deliver precise amounts of heparin
during dialysis.
Key terms: Heparin, anticoagulant, extracorporeal circuit, syringe, piston
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding section
of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of a heparin pump alarm, demonstrating
how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to the alarms
troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Only use syringes prescribed by your doctor in the Heparin Pump module.
Make sure that there is enough heparin for your entire treatment. Do not load the
syringe beyond your prescribed amount.
Warning: The heparin pump is to be used only under positive pressure conditions.
Under negative pressure conditions, too much heparin may be infused.
Warning: You must select your prescribed syringe to accurately add heparin during the
treatment.
Caution: The syringe must be properly loaded for your machine to add heparin during
treatment.
Warning: If you do not enter a Stop Heparin value, the heparin pump will run at the
selected rate until the syringe is empty or your treatment is over. The heparin pump
should be monitored to make sure of proper heparin infusion.
17. Online PHT Failed Alarm
Main learning concepts: The online Pressure Holding Test (PHT) automatically checks the
2008K@home machines dialysate balancing system. The PHT runs only during dialysis when
the dialyzer is connected.
The online PHT runs about every 12 minutes regardless of other alarm conditions. During the
test, the Status Box displays the message: Running Online PHT. The UF light above the UF
on/off key also flashes. The test will run for about seven seconds as the balancing chamber
runs through two cycles. During the test, your machine is in bypass mode and the TMP alarm
limits are spread.
If your machine fails an online PHT (pressure holding test), the Status Box displays the alarm
message: Online PHT Failed. This alarm does not stop the blood pump.
Key terms: online Pressure Holding Test, PHT, UF on/off key, balancing chambers, dialyzer,
cycle
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding section
of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
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1. Verbalize what to check and do in the event of an Online PHT Failed alarm,
demonstrating how to reset the alarm
2. Troubleshoot potential causes of the alarm and solutions by referring to Chapter 6:
Emergencies and Alarms and the alarms troubleshooting section of the 2008K@home
Users Guide
3. Verbalizes understanding of the importance of promptly addressing the alarm and the
potential consequences of not addressing it
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: If an online PHT failure recurs, you must stop your treatment and have a
qualified technician test the hydraulics.
Note: The online pressure holding test is not a substitute for the self-test. Do not begin
dialysis until the self-test has been run.

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Section 32
Potential Problems During Dialysis

32

Main learning concepts: This section is to provide a general guide to some treatment
complications. Identifying and reporting clinical signs, symptoms or other problems is a
crucial portion of training. This must be emphasized and stressed repeatedly. Review
and discuss the signs, symptoms and response to potential treatment problems including chest
pain and shortness of breath. Stress the importance of reporting any problems to the patients
physician and home RN. Please refer to Appendix D for further information on complications of
hemodialysis.
Key terms: Hypotension, leg cramps, arrhythmias, seizure, air embolism, hemolysis, crenation,
infiltration, blood loss, allergic reaction, steal syndrome, edema
Recommended return demonstration: Demonstrate the listed steps in the corresponding
section of the 2008K@home Competency Checklist (Appendix G).
At the end of this section the patient will be able to:
1. Describe signs and symptoms associated with common intradialytic complications and
when these should be reported to the home dialysis nurse
2. Explain how to check for edema
3. Describe what to do to manage potential complications as described in Appendix D
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: Failure to report potential problems or complications promptly to your
physician can result in severe injury or death.

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Section 33
Returning the Blood Manually Handcranking

33

Main learning concepts: During a power failure the blood pump stops and the venous clamp
closes. The dialysate flow pump, heater, blood leak detector and level detector are nonfunctional. All machine lights go out and a steady, audible alarm will sound for seven minutes.
The alarm cannot be silenced with the Mute key. The blood pump can be manually operated to
immediately return the blood to the patient, or, if power is expected to return soon, to keep the
blood in circulation.
It is imperative that the learner familiarizes himself with the steps necessary to immediately
return the blood manually or, if power is expected to return soon, to keep the blood in
circulation. Reference the procedure noted in the users guide.

Key terms: Arterial access bloodline, arterial line, arterial line clamp, blood leak detector, blood
pump, blood pump door, crank handle, detachable handle, dialysate flow pump, emergency
hand crank, hand crank spindle, handle knob, heater, latch door, level detector, recirc

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connector, rotor, rotor latch, rotor latch slot, saline bag, venous bloodline, venous chamber,
venous clamp.
Recommended return demonstration: Locating emergency hand crank on back of machine,
ensuring sufficient saline is available for rinseback of blood (equal to at least the priming
volume), removing venous line from venous clamp (otherwise the line will remain clamped),
closing arterial clamps, disconnecting arterial access bloodline, connecting arterial line to saline
bag and opening clamps, opening latch door and flipping rotor latch outward, lining up hand
crank with rotor, sliding hand crank into place, rotating hand crank six to ten revolutions per
minute, disconnecting venous line when blood has returned.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Caution: Do not forcefully pull the lines from the machine. Damage to machine or
sensors may result.
Note: As a precaution, the handle knob will detach from the crank if you attempt to turn
the rotor in the wrong direction. An arrow stamped on the blood pump module, above
the rotor, points in the correct clockwise direction of rotation.
Warning: Carefully watch the venous chamber and bloodline for air intakes. Be sure no
air enters the patient access/circulation.
Warning: Keep fingers clear of the blood pump rotor when it is turning as serious injury
may occur.
Note: During power failure, the machine safety systems are inactive. All machine lights
go out and a steady audible alarm will sound for seven minutes.

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Section 34
Potential Problems During Dialysis

34

Main learning concepts: Testing of the Diasafe Plus Filter, how to perform the Pressure Holding
Test (PHT), what to do if PHT fails.
Key terms: Pressure Holding Test (PHT), Diasafe Test
Recommended return demonstrations: The patient must demonstrate how to perform the
Pressure Holding Test and verbalize troubleshooting for failed PHT test.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: If your machine fails any of the tests and the cause cannot be corrected, or if
it fails later tests, it should not be used for treatment. Have your machine checked by a
qualified technician to correct the problem.
Warning: After replacing the Diasafe Plus filter, run a Heat Disinfect to disinfect your
machine.

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Section 35
Replacing the Diasafe Plus Filter

35

Main learning concepts: Identification and purpose of the Diasafe Plus Filter, how and when to
replace the filter.
Key terms: Diasafe Plus Filter, ultra-pure dialysate
Recommended return demonstrations: The patient must demonstrate the location of the
Diasafe Plus Filter on the hemodialysis machine; demonstrate the removal of the old filter and
subsequent replacement with a new filter.
Critical warnings, cautions and notes:
Warning: You must still routinely monitor the chemical and bacterial water quality.
Caution: Before inserting the new filter in your machine, remove the plastic tabs on the
Diasafe Plus filter inlet and outlet. The Diasafe Plus filter can only be used in Fresenius
hemodialysis machines fitted with Diasafe Plus Diafix lock system kits.
Instructions for replacing the Diasafe plus filter:
1. Lift lock levers on the left side of the filter mount
2. Slide the old Diasafe Plus filter up and out
3. Fit the new Diasafe filter into the groove in the top of the mount. Slide the filter down until
it snaps into place
4. Push the lock levers down to lock the filter into the mount.

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Section 36
Overview of Warnings and Cautions

36

It is important that home operators are understand the warnings in the 2008K@home Users
Guide. These should be reviewed individually by the home training nurse. Failure to
appropriately follow the warnings may result in patient injury or death. Some key warnings in the
2008K@home Users Guide are listed below. A complete list of general warnings is included in
the beginning of the users guide. Please refer to the users guide and review these warnings
with patients as part of their training.
1. Machine Set-up:
a. Warning: Make sure your machine is working correctly before beginning
your treatment. If you fail to respond to alarms, it may lead to serious injury
or death.
b. Warning: You must properly match your concentrate type to your machines
setup. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Many different
concentrate types are available for use in your machine. Concentrates
contain various amounts of dextrose, potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride,
magnesium, and bicarbonate.
c. Warning: Make sure your machine is working correctly before beginning your
treatment. If you fail to respond to alarms, it may lead to serious injury or
death.
d. Warning: Use of an acid concentrate intended for a 1:44 mix ratio in any
1:34 proportioning dialysate delivery machine may result in a dialysate
solution with normal conductivity but without a physiological buffer (low pH).
There will be no alarms in this event. Use of improper dialysate solutions
may cause injury or death.
e. Warning: Your dialysate concentrate jugs must match the concentrate listed
in the Set up screens. If you use the wrong dialysate solutions, it may
cause serious injury or death. Fresenius Medical Care recommends using
the concentrate containers provided with your machine to avoid mismatching
containers.
f. Warning: Test the conductivity and approximate pH of the dialysate with an
independent device before beginning treatment. Test it also when you
change concentrates during your treatment. The wrong conductivity or pH
may cause serious injury or death.
g. Warning: You must properly disinfect your machine and test for remaining
disinfectant before every treatment day.
h. Warning: You must follow all local regulations covering the separation of
devices in the water supply. In case of drain back up; you must maintain an
air gap between your machines drain line and its drain.
i. Warning: Your machines Level Detector module must be calibrated for the
venous line being used, your machine is compatible with a number of venous
lines. Follow the instructions for adjusting the level in the venous drip
chamber. Also, visually check that the Venous Clamp is capable of fully
closing the model of bloodline you are using. Failure to do so may cause
serious injury or death.

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j.

Warning: Do not use your machine in the presence of flammable


substances, like anesthetics, as it may cause explosions which may cause
serious injury or death.
k. Warning: Do not use devices emitting strong electromagnetic radiation such
as portable phones, radio equipment (walkie-talkies, etc.), radio transmitters,
and like equipment near your machine. Improper operation may result.
Digital phones may be conditionally allowed. Discontinue use of any device if
any interference is noted, such as false pressure readings that disappear
when the external signal is removed.
l. Warning: You must use sterile transducer protectors between your machine
and pressure monitor lines to prevent the transducers from getting wet. If
transducer protectors become wet or contaminated with blood, they must be
replaced. Wet transducers cause inaccurate pressure readings and may
cause injury or death. Disinfect or replace associated parts. Clear monitor
lines if they become wet.
m. Warning: Alarm limits for arterial and venous pressure monitoring,
temperature, and conductivity must be maintained within safe physiological
limits, prescribed by your doctor.
n. Warning: The air detector alarm is a critical safety feature that alerts the user
of potential air in the bloodline. You must properly place the venous drip
chamber in its holder and set the proper blood/saline level in the venous drip
chamber. Avoid overfilling. Failure to follow the instructions in this users
guide can result in severe injury or death. Please contact your physician if
you have any questions about the proper operation of the air detector or how
to attach the venous bloodline.
2. Proper hemodialysis prescription
a. Warning: Your doctor must prescribe your entire hemodialysis treatment,
including all of the values listed on the My Treatment Parameters sheet. If
you use the wrong values, it may cause serious injury or death. Do not use
example values shown in machine pictures
b. Warning: Headaches and nausea can be caused by dehydration or too much
volume removed during hemodialysis. You and your doctor must pay strict
attention to the achievement of the prescribed dry weight.
3. Hemodialysis treatment:
a. Warning: Check all bloodlines for leaks after your treatment has started.
Keep access sites uncovered and monitored. Bad bloodline connections or
needles coming out can result in blood loss, serious injury and death.
Machine alarms may not occur in every blood loss situation.
b. Warning: Check that all lines and tubing are free of kinks to prevent damage
to your blood (hemolysis).
c. Warning: You must use sterile transducer protectors between your machine
and pressure monitor lines to prevent the transducers from getting wet. If
transducer protectors become wet or contaminated with blood, they must be
replaced. Wet transducers cause inaccurate pressure readings and may
cause injury or death. Disinfect or replace associated parts. Clear monitor
lines if they become wet.
d. Warning: Alarm limits for arterial and venous pressure monitoring,
temperature, and conductivity must be maintained within safe physiological
limits, prescribed by your doctor.
e. Warning: Check that all lines and tubing are free of kinks to prevent damage
to your blood (hemolysis).
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f.

Warning: The UF Goal Reached alert is an important feature of your


2008K@home hemodialysis machine. Reaching your prescribed UF Goal is
important. If you do not reach your prescribed UF Goal, it may lead to fluid
overload, serious injury and death. The supervising nephrologist and care
team is responsible for adequate training and supervisions of hemodialysis
and volume removal.
g. Warning: The 2008K@home has not been cleared by the FDA for nocturnal
use.
h. Warning: Hemolysis of the blood in the dialyzer may occur if the dialysate
temperature goes higher than 42C. Dialysate temperatures must be
maintained below this level. Do not return hemolyzed blood.
i. Caution: System leaks may occur. Unattended operation of the machine (for
example, during disinfection at night) may result in flooding and can cause
property damage. Clean up spills immediately.
j. Note: Keep emergency supplies near your machine at all times. Include a
flashlight in case of power failure. Check the flashlight regularly for fresh
batteries
4. Alarms and alerts
a. Note: Arterial, venous, and transmembrane pressure monitor alarm limits
are automatically set and delayed for pressure to stabilize, but conductivity
and temperature alarm limits are calculated for the dialysate composition and
may be somewhat adjusted by the operator.
b. Warning: Repeated acid pump alarms may mean acid pump failure. If
repeated acid pump alarms occur, stop your treatment and contact a qualified
technician. Failure to replace a failed acid pump could cause serious injury.
c. Warning: The UF Goal Reached alert is an important feature of your
2008K@home hemodialysis machine. Reaching your prescribed UF Goal is
important. If you do not reach your prescribed UF Goal, it may lead to fluid
overload, serious injury and death. The supervising nephrologist and care
team is responsible for adequate training and supervisions of hemodialysis
and volume removal.
d. Warning: The air detector alarm is a critical safety feature that alerts the user
of potential air in the bloodline. You must properly place the venous drip
chamber in its holder and set the proper blood/saline level in the venous drip
chamber. Avoid overfilling. Failure to follow the instructions in the
2008K@home Users Guide can result in severe injury or death. Please
contact your physician if you have any questions about the proper operation
of the air detector or how to attach the venous bloodline.
e. Warning: Repeated acid pump alarms may mean acid pump failure. If
repeated acid pump alarms occur, stop your treatment and contact a qualified
technician. Failure to replace a failed acid pump could cause serious injury.
f. Warning: Repeated arterial and/or venous pressure alarms may mean poor
blood flow or access problems. If you have frequent alarms or a change in
alarm patterns, you should call your clinic. Frequent movement can trigger
the alarm. Patients should refrain from unnecessary movement during
dialysis.
g. Warning: The conductivity alarm is an important safety feature of your
dialysis treatment. You must fill your concentrate jugs to the top at the
beginning of each treatment. During treatment you must keep your jugs full
enough so you do not run low on concentrate. Failure to change your jugs

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when they run low will prevent you from receiving your prescribed dialysis
and may lead to serious injury or death.
h. Warning: Frequent temperature or water flow alarms may indicate a problem
with the water supply. Call a qualified technician if you have these problems.
5. Machine maintenance
a. Warning: Only qualified people from your clinic may use Service Mode. Do
not make any changes to your machine with Service Mode. If you enter the
wrong options or values, you may cause serious injury or death.
b. Warning: The water used for hemodialysis must be periodically tested to
demonstrate that it meets AAMI standards. Your water must meet all
standards to keep dialysate quality. Monitor the water source regularly to
detect changes in quality. These changes could have an unfavorable effect
on you or your machine. Regularly check for chemicals such as chlorine and
chloramines. These chemicals can harm dialysis patients.
c. Warning: Do not use the 2008K@home machine in your home if you do not
have a constant water supply with good pressure. Your water pressure must
be at least 20 psi and no more than 105 psi.
d. Warning: Never perform maintenance when a patient is connected to your
machine. If possible, remove your machine from the treatment area when it
is being serviced. Label your machine to make sure that it is not accidentally
returned to use before the service work is completed. Disinfect and test your
machine when service is done. Test the dialysate for acceptable conductivity
and pH values before use.
e. Warning: Do not install the 9-Volt battery backwards in your machine, it will
damage your No Power alarm.
f. Warning: Shock hazard. Do not remove machine covers. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel. The electrical source must be single phase, threeconductor type provided with a hospital grade receptacle and a ground fault
interrupter at 120 Volts, 15 Amps, 60 Hz. The proper polarity and ground
integrity must be initially checked and maintained. Plug your machine directly
into the electrical outlet; do not use extension cords or power strips.
g. Caution: Only qualified people authorized by your clinics medical director or
by Fresenius Medical Care may assemble, install, adjust, or repair your
machine.

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Section 37
Servicing the Fresenius 2008K@home Machine

37

The Fresenius 2008K@home machine must be serviced only by authorized and trained
personnel. It must be emphasized that patients are not authorized to repair the machine and
must contact an authorized person. Failure to follow these instructions can result in patient
injury. Patients should be instructed on the availability of support services and provided with
instructions both verbally and in writing regarding how to access and use these resources. The
2008K@home Users Guide includes the following information for contacting technical services:

Call Technical Support


If you have any questions, please call Fresenius Medical Care Technical Support anytime at
(800) 227-2572.

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APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS


AAMI Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation that develops
voluntary standards for aspects of dialysis, including water treatment and dialyzer
reprocessing.
Access A means to connect to the bloodstream for hemodialysis. Hemodialysis
accesses include arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG), and central
venous catheters.
Acid A substance with a pH below 7.0 that is capable of donating a hydrogen ion (
H+) and is used in conjunction with bicarbonate to compose the dialysate bath.
Acid Clean A daily process when acid (vinegar) is rinsed through the acid and
bicarbonate lines.
Acid Concentrate Jug Container used for storing acid concentrate.
Acidosis A pathologic condition resulting from accumulation of acid or depletion of
the alkaline reserve (bicarbonate) content of the blood and body tissues, and
characterized by an increase in hydrogen ion concentration (decrease in pH).
Air Embolism Occurs when air bubbles enter the bloodstream and are carried into a
vessel small enough to be blocked by the air, where it acts like a clot, blocking the flow
of blood.
Alarm Window The allowable range without activating alarms for the arterial, venous,
and transmembrane pressures, and the dialysate temperature and conductivity during
treatment. Movement of levels outside the window will trigger an alarm after a short
delay. The conductivity alarm window is graphically represented in the Dialysis Home
screen as the area located between the upper and lower alarm limits of the conductivity
bar graph. The alarm window can be widened or narrowed, or shifted up or down within
the hard limits. The temperature alarm window is 2C of the set temperature value
within the temperature hard limits (30C to 41C). The arterial and venous limit window
width is also selectable. The position of the window is set automatically.
Alkalosis A pathological condition resulting from accumulation of bicarbonate and is
characterized by a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and increase in pH.
Allergic Reaction Local or general hypersensitivity reaction following contact with a
specific allergen.
Aneurism a ballooning or bulging of a weak spot in a vessel. Aneurisms can occur if
needles are inserted too often into the same small area of a fistula.
Anticoagulant Substance that delays or prevents coagulation of blood in the
extracorporeal circuit during dialysis.
Appendix Additional material added to a manual.
Arrhythmia Irregular heart beat, rapid or slow pulse, palpitations caused by changes
in the blood pH or electrolyte levels (potassium), hypotension or heart disease.
Arterial Access Route used to remove blood for hemodialysis.

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Arterial Drip Chamber Chamber within the extracorporeal circuit were arterial
pressure is monitored. A bubble trap inside the drip chamber collects any air that enters
the blood tubing.
Arterial Drip Chamber Holder Semicircular piece on the module that secures the
arterial drip chamber in place
Arterial Inflow the flow of arterial blood into a fistula.
Arterial Line Part of the extracorporeal circuit that is involved with transporting the
patients blood to the dialyzer.
Arterial Line Clamp Clamp positioned on the arterial blood line.
Arterial Pressure Port The pressure port houses a pressure transducer that monitors
arterial tubing pressure.
Arterial Side of Dialyzer The end of the dialyzer where the patients blood enters to
be dialyzed.
Aseptic Technique Series of steps necessary to prevent microbial contamination of
patient or environment.
Auto Flow Rate A ratio of dialysate flow to blood flow based on the dialysis
prescription, for example 2x dialysate auto flow with a blood flow of 400ml/min would be
800 ml/min.
Back Pain Pain located in the posterior regions of the trunk, including the thoracic,
lumbar, sacral, or adjacent regions.
Balancing Chambers The hydraulic chambers inside your machine that control the
volume of dialysate. The chambers make sure that the amount of fresh dialysate
entering the dialysate flow is equal to the amount of used dialysate being drained.
Base Na+ The prescribed sodium level for the dialysate. The default Na+ value is
carried over from the value displayed in the Na+ parameter-button in the Rx
Parameter screen.
Bicarbonate A buffer used by the body to neutralize acids that form when the body
breaks down protein and other foods.
Bicarbonate Jug Container used for storing bicarbonate.
Biofilm Biological residue from treatment that collects on machine drain lines.
Bleeding Escape of blood from a vessel.
Blood Circuit Component of the dialysis system that is enclosed within the arterial
blood line, dialyzer fibers and the venous blood line. It is also referred to as the
extracorporeal circuit.
Blood Clotting Time the time is takes for blood to clot.
Blood Flow Rate See blood pump speed.
Blood Leak Detector An alarm system that monitors used dialysate for blood or air
that would indicate a leak in the dialyzer membrane.
Blood Line Set Part of the extracorporeal circuit that carries blood from the patients
vascular access through the arterial needle or catheter port, to the dialyzer, and back to
the patient through the venous needles or catheter port. There are two segments of
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blood tubing: arterial (red connector colored) and the venous (blue connector colored).
Other components of the blood tubing include patient connectors, dialyzer connectors,
arterial and venous drip chambers, blood pump segment, heparin and saline infusion
lines.
Blood Pump Part of the hemodialysis delivery system that moves the patients blood
through the extracorporeal circuit at a fixed rate of speed when the blood pump
segment is threaded between the pump head and the rollers.
Blood Pump Door Cover of the blood pump.
Blood Pump Housing Component that holds the blood pump rotor and tubing
guides.
Blood Pump Speed Prescribed rate of blood programmed on the blood pump.
Blood Sensed The venous line runs through an Optical Detector above the Venous
Clamp. When the clear bloodline tubing is opaque, your machine uses this Blood
Sensed information for a number of alarms, informational messages, or warnings.
Blue Bicarbonate Connector Device used to connect to the bicarbonate jug.
Blue Recirc Connector Part of the extracorporeal circuit used when returning venous
blood to the patient.
Bolus A relatively large, single dose.
Bruit The buzzing or swooshing sound caused by the high-pressure flow of blood
through a patients fistula or graft.
Button Certain identified sites on the Touch Screen that, when touched, will cause a
specific action by the software.
Bypass Mode Bypass mode occurs when the dialysate conductivity or temperature
goes outside alarm limits. In bypass mode, valves inside your machine redirect the flow
of dialysate to bypass the dialyzer internally until temperature and conductivity are back
within acceptable limits.
Cannulation to insert fistula needles into a fistula or graft for dialysis.
Caution Statement that identifies conditions or actions that could result in damage to
the machine.
Chemical Rinse The Chemical/Rinse program disinfects your machine by rinsing it
with water, chemical disinfectant, and water again. You should run a Chemical/Rinse
weekly.
Chemical Disinfect Jug Container for bleach during the chemical rinse.
Chest Pain Pressure, burning, discomfort, or numbness in the chest.
Clean Technique Series of steps necessary to prevent contamination of patient or
environment. It includes, but is not limited to, using clean gloves and hand washing.
Clearance The rate at which waste products in the blood are removed by dialysis.
Coefficient A numerical measure of a physical or chemical property that is constant
for a system under specified conditions.
Conc. Abbreviation for concentrate.
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Concentrate One of two salt solutions (acid and bicarbonate) that are mixed together
with purified water to form dialysate.
Concentrate Connectors Color-coded plastic connectors located on the front panel
to connect acid and bicarbonate concentrates. The red connector is for acid concentrate
and blue connector for bicarbonate concentrate.
Conductivity The ability of a fluid to transfer electrical charge as a measurement of
ions in a solution.
Conductivity Meter Measures the electrolyte composition of dialysate to ensure it is
within safe limits for use.
Contraindication Symptom, condition or circumstance that renders the use or a
remedy or procedure inadvisable, usually because of a risk.
Control Panel Top front portion of the machine consisting of a touch screen, various
keys and data entry keypads used to operate the 2008K@home machine.
Convulsion Violent involuntary contraction or series of contractions of voluntary
muscles. Also known as seizure.
Corrosive Slow disintegration or wearing away of something by a destructive agent.
Cramping A sudden, involuntary, spasmodic muscular contraction causing severe
pain, often occurring in the leg or shoulder. Painful muscle cramps often in the hands
and feet may result from removal of too much fluid, changes in blood chemistry,
especially sodium, low potassium levels and hypotension.
Crenation Conversion of normally round red blood cells into shriveled, irregularly
shaped forms that occurs if the blood is exposed to a solution that is more concentrated
than blood.
Delivered Dose of Dialysis The amount of clearance of urea expected to be
completed following the dialysis prescription.
Dialogue Box Text box in the top right corner of the screen that shows patient
information and instructs the operator for certain actions.
Dialysate Solution used to diffuse and clear waste from your bloodstream through the
dialyzer. It consists of the acid and bicarbonate concentrates mixed together with
purified water.
Dialysate Circuit Component of the dialysis system that is enclosed within the
hydraulic system and the dialysate compartment (outside the fibers) of the dialyzer.
Dialysate Flow Rate A prescribed ml/min flow of the dialysate through the dialyzer.
Dialysate Line Filter Screen A small screen inside the dialysate connector to filter
concentrate
Dialysate Pressure Pressure or force within the dialysate side of the dialysis system.
It is used in conjunction with venous pressure to measure TMP (Transmembrane
Pressure).
Dialysis The passage of a solute through a membrane.
Dialysis Dementia Deteriorative mental state that may occur during dialysis. Dialysis
dementia can be caused by chronic exposure to aluminum salts.
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Dialyzer The device used to filter and diffuse waste from your bloodstream using
semi-permeable membranes.
Dialyzer Clotting related to sustained blood pump alarms or less that required
anticoagulation that caused the blood to clot in the dialyzer.
Dialyzer Quick Connectors Color-coded metal pieces to securely attach the dialyzer
to the dialysate lines. The blue connector delivers fresh dialysate and is attached to the
venous end of the dialyzer. The red connector sends spent dialysate to the rest of the
hydraulic system and is attached to the arterial end of the dialyzer.
Dialyzer Reaction can be caused by a reaction to ethylene oxide or other chemicals
in the system with symptoms occurring in the first 15 30 minutes of treatment that
include itching, chest and or back pain, shortness of breath, hypotension, nausea and
general discomfort.
Dialyzer Ultrafiltration Coefficient Ultrafiltration constant. The fixed amount of fluid
a dialyzer will remove from the patients blood per hour at a specified pressure. A
dialyzers ultrafiltration coefficient is included with its instructions. See also KUF.
Diasafe Plus A filter for your dialysis machine that filters the dialysate solution further,
removing even the smallest bacteria and pyrogen to deliver ultra pure dialysate.
Diasafe Test A test to verify integrity of the Diasafe Plus filter. This is automatically
performed after chemical disinfectant rinse.
Diastolic Pressure The lower blood pressure number of the two, it describes the
bloods pressure just before the next heartbeat.
Diffusion The movement of dissolved particles across a semi-permeable membrane
from an area of higher solute concentration to an area of lower solute concentration.
This process continues until the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane
are equal. In dialysis, the diffusion process removes wastes from the blood.
Dim button Method to darken the display screen like a screen saver.
Disequilibrium Syndrome can occur when the BUN is removed much faster from the
blood than from the brain, when disequilibrium occurs and the fluid moves into the brain
cells causing swelling. The symptoms are headache, nausea, hypertension,
restlessness, confusion, blurred vision and seizures.
Disinfection The process that destroys or slows the growth of harmful microbes.
Display Screen A viewing screen located in the middle of the control panel.
Drain Bag Device used when priming the dialyzer to collect saline.
Drip Chamber Used to collect air in the arterial and venous chambers.
Dry Weight Patients weight without excess fluid.
Edema Accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in or around tissues or cells.
Electrolytes Ions or electrically charged molecules in the bloodstream that are
needed for various functions in the body, including nerve cell transfer signals. Healthy
kidneys maintain constant, healthy levels despite changes in exercise and diet.
Electrolyte (Imbalance) Disturbance is an abnormal change in the levels of
electrolytes in the body, usually constituting a medical emergency. Severe or prolonged
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electrolyte disturbance can lead to cardiac problems, neuronal malfunction, organ


failure, and ultimately death.
Estimated Dry Weight See Dry Weight.
Etiology The science and study of the causes or origins of disease.
Exsanguinate To drain of blood.
Febrile Reaction Fever during dialysis, feeling cold, redness, swelling, tenderness,
warmth for access or other site, caused by infection, contaminated dialyzer or
bloodlines or too-cold dialysate.
Fill Program Occurs when the water level in the air separation chamber of the
hydraulic system gets too low. To remove excessive air from the hydraulic system, your
machine will normally go into a Fill program when the dialysate lines are first
connected to the dialyzer, and the air within the dialyzer is being evacuated. If the Fill
program runs repeatedly during operation it could mean a dialysate leak. Call a
qualified technician if this problem occurs.
Filtrate A liquid that has passed through a filter.
Flow Indicator A clear tube in the dialyzer supply line that allows the operator to
monitor dialysate flow. When dialysate flow is on, a small float inside the cylinder
moves up and down in rhythm to the dialysate pump. When flow is off, the float sinks to
the bottom of the cylinder.
Fluid Overload State of the patient when dry weight has not been reached, this can
lead to congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema.
GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) Device on special electrical outlets that protects
against electrocution by interrupting current. The outlet faceplate has a Test and a
Reset button.
Gravity Prime Method used to instill saline into the arterial patient end of the
extracorporeal circuit.
Hand Crank Method used to return blood to the patient during a power failure, also
know as Emergency Hand Crank, that utilizes the auxiliary blood pump crank handle
inserted into the hand crank spindle on the blood pump and the blood is manually
returned to the patient.
Hard Limits Unchangeable limits written in the software that define the maximum and
minimum alarm window values for the arterial, venous, and transmembrane pressures,
and the dialysate temperature and conductivity. Hard limits are not shown to the user.
Headache Pain in the cranial region that may occur as an isolated and benign
symptom or as a manifestation of a wide variety of conditions.
Heat Disinfection The Heat Disinfect program disinfects your machine by running
hot water (over 80C or 176F) through it. You should run a Heat Disinfect at the end of
every treatment day.
Heater A component in the machine that warms the water or dialysate to
approximately body temperature during dialysis and to a set temperature during heat
disinfection.
Hemastix Monitoring strip that identifies the presence of blood.
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Hemodialysis The procedure carried out by your machine that separates the waste
products and excess water artificially from your blood by diffusion and ultrafiltration.
Hemolysis Rupture of red blood cells. This may be caused by hyponatremia (low
blood sodium), dialysate that is too hot or too dilute (hypotonic), chloramines, copper, or
nitrates in dialysate water, bleach in the dialysate, low dialysate conductivity, too-high
arterial pressure or kinked blood tubing.
Hemorrhage Abnormal bleeding, either internal or external.
Heparin A chemical naturally found in the liver that prevents blood from clotting.
Heparin Line Clamp Clamp positioned on the heparin line.
Heparin Pump A component of the dialysis delivery system that delivers heparin at a
prescribed rate.
Hydraulic System The lower third of the dialysis machine that houses the
water/dialysate circuit and controls ultrafiltration.
Hyperparathroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid
glands, also called parathyroids. "Primary" means this disorder originates in the
parathyroids: One or more enlarged, overactive parathyroid glands secretes too much
parathyroid hormone (PTH). In secondary hyperparathyroidism, a problem such as
kidney failure causes the parathyroids to be overactive.
Hypertension Is high blood pressure, readings > 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg
diastolic pressure are considered high blood pressure. Can be related to fluid overload,
patients missing their blood pressure medication, anxiety or disequilibrium syndrome.
Hyperthermia Abnormally high body temperature.
Hypervolemia Abnormally increased volume of circulating blood in the body.
Hypotension Is low blood pressure and occurs most often when too much fluid is
removed during dialysis. Symptoms include sever muscle cramps, headache, feeling
warm, restless, dizzy, faint or nauseated.
Hypothermia Abnormally low body temperature.
Hypovolemia Abnormally decreased volume of circulating blood in the body.
Hypoxia Clinical manifestation of respiratory distress consisting of a relatively
complete absence of oxygen.
Infection Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may
be clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury.
Infiltration In dialysis, this is refers to the dislodgment of the fistula needle from the
patients access and blood being injected into the surrounding tissues.
Inflation Pressure The amount of pressure in the blood pressure cuff when taking a
blood pressure reading.
Keys Located on the Control Panel and on various modules, keys are used to enter
numbers, confirm selections on the Touch Screen, and activate certain machine
functions.
Kilogram Measure of weight, 2.2 lbs = 1 kg (kilogram).

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KUF Ultrafiltration constant. The fixed amount of fluid a dialyzer will remove from the
patients blood per hour at a specified pressure. A dialyzers KUF is included with its
instructions. See also Dialyzer Ultrafiltration Coefficient
Level Adjust Ability to raise the level within either the venous chamber or the arterial
chamber.
Level Detector Module Component of the dialysis delivery systems that holds the
venous drip chamber in place and utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to detect a deficiency in
the fluid level within the venous drip chamber.
Long Power Down Turning off your machine for longer than two minutes. Certain
information stored in machine memory is lost after two minutes and some treatment
parameters are reset to their default settings. Power failures are not the same as long
power downs, where treatment information is saved. See also Short Power Down and
Power Failure Recovery.
MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) The average pressure your blood vessels experience
as your heart beats.
Maximum UF Volume Value set in service mode with the maximum value of 4000
ml/hour for fluid removal.
Medication Clamps Clamps on the medication administration lines.
Meter Box Box that displays screen-specific information like timers and dates.
Military Time Time measured in hours numbered to twenty-four (as 0100 or 2300)
from one midnight to the next. For example, 00:00 is midnight and 13:00 is one
oclock PM.
Module Compartment Middle front section of the machine which houses the different
modules such as the blood pump, heparin pump, level detector, etc.
Nausea An unpleasant sensation in the stomach usually accompanied by the urge to
vomit.
Note Advisory comments or recommendations regarding practices or procedures.
Onesiteitis Term used to describe the act of cannulating in the same small area of an
access and can lead to aneurysm or pseudoaneurism development.
Optical Detector Located on the Level Detector module that senses whether or not
the venous line is filled with blood. See also Blood Sensed.
Osmosis The movement of fluid across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of
lower solute concentration (blood) to an area of higher solute concentration (dialysate)
until the concentrations on both sides of the membrane are equal.
Parameter-Button A button on the Touch Screen that displays the changeable value
it controls through software.
Pathogenesis The development of a disease or morbid condition.
Permeate To penetrate or pass through, as through a filter or the RO water that has
already passed through a filter.
pH The hydrogen ion concentration of a solution. A solution with a pH above 7 is
alkaline (base). A solution with a pH below 7 is an acid.
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Phosphorus is a nonmetallic element present in such foods as dairy products, meats,


fish, nuts, chocolate and cola. Too much phosphorus in the blood can cause itching,
secondary hyperparathroidism and bone disease.
Piston Sliding valve moving in a cylinder.
Positive Pressure Condition that exists when pressure inside the lines is greater than
outside of the lines. If an opening occurs, air or fluid will flow out of the system.
Potassium A metallic element, and an important electrolyte in the human body.
Levels of potassium that are too high or too low can cause illness or death in patients,
levels must be kept within very tight limits.
Power Failure Recovery When power to your machine is lost, many dialysis
parameters are automatically stored. They are recovered when the power is restored to
your machine.
Prescription Directions written for the preparation and administration of a therapy.
Pressure Holding Test (PHT) Pressure Holding Tests test the integrity of the
hydraulic system, which is necessary for accurate fluid balance and UF control. There
are two types of pressure holding tests: One is an extensive PHT is activated from the
Test or Help screens. The other is an Online Pressure Holding Test that is run
automatically every 12 minutes during treatment. It lasts about seven seconds,
depending on the dialysate flow rate (two cycles of the balancing chamber).
Pressure Port A tubing outlet on both the Blood Pump and Level Detector modules
that connects to a pressure transducer and to the drip chambers. Pressure ports allow
monitoring of the bloodline pressure.
Prime Procedure done before dialysis to remove air from the extracorporeal circuit to
prepare the bloodlines and dialyzer ready for use by flushing them with saline.
Pruritus (itching) Severe itching on and off dialysis, red skin and crusting on the skin,
caused by uremia, high blood phosphorus levels, calcium phosphate crystals under the
skin or secondary to hyperparathyroidism.
Pseudoaneurysm A false aneurysm, a bulging pocket of blood around a graft. Can
occur if a graft has been damaged by repeated punctures in the same area.
Pump Housing Channel around the blood pump where the blood pump segment of
the bloodline is placed.
Pure Ultrafiltration A treatment option in which the ultrafiltration pump draws excess
fluid from the patient while the dialysate flow is turned off. See also Sequential Ultrafiltration.
Puristeril 340 A chemical used to clean and disinfect the hydraulic system.
Puristeril 340 is a registered trademark of Fresenius Medical Care.
Pyrogen A substance that causes fever.
Recirc Connector Part of the extracorporeal that is utilized when returning blood
back to the patient.
Recirculation Process where saline is moved through the extracorporeal circuit prior
to initiation of treatment to assist in the removal of air.
Red Acid Connector Device used to connect to the acid concentrate.
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Reset Button Button prompted to address alarms.


Restless Leg Syndrome Is a condition that is characterized by an irresistible urge to
move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. It most commonly affects the
legs, but can also affect the arms or torso.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) A method for purifying water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane that prevents the passage of ions.
Rinse Back Volume Amount of saline required to rinse the patients blood back
following completion of the dialysis treatment.
Rinse Cycle (Rinsing) The Rinse program may be run before each treatment, but it
must be run after an acid clean.
Rinse Port Opening on the front of the machine where wand is inserted during the
rinse cycle.
RO Abbreviation for Reverse Osmosis.
Rotate Dialyzer Process during the set up of the system when the user is prompted
to flip the dialyzer 180 degrees.
Rotor The rotating part of an electronic or mechanical device.
Rotor Latch Metal piece on the front of the blood pump rotor used to attach the
auxiliary blood pump crank when returning blood manually during a power failure.
Rotor Latch Slot Space on the blood pump rotor where the spindle of the auxiliary
blood pump crank is inserted to return blood manually during a power failure.
Rx Abbreviation for Prescription.
Saline Bag Solution consisting of normal saline used to prime the bloodlines and to
rinse the blood back after treatment. It is also used to expand plasma volume during a
hypotensive episode or to relieve cramps.
Screen-Button Any of the buttons located in the row along the bottom of the Touch
Screen. Screen-buttons are also on the left side of the Rx Parameter screen.
Touching one of these buttons will display its screen.
Seizure Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a physical
convulsion, minor physical signs, thought disturbances, or a combination of symptoms
Sensor heads Ultrasonic devices that detect fluid level deficiency in the venous
chamber.
Sequential Dialysis Two-stage form of dialysis treatment in which the first stage
consists only of ultrafiltration. In the first stage, there is no dialysate flow while the
ultrafiltration pump draws excess fluid from the patient. After the calculated amount of
fluid has been drawn, usually a standard dialysis treatment, begins.
Service Mode A functional state of your machine that allows technicians to calibrate
your machine or program various software features and options not accessible in
Dialysis Mode.
Short Power Down Turning off the power with the Control Panel Power key for less
than two minutes. Certain information stored in memory is only held for up to two

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minutesafter that, it is erased. See also Long Power Down and Power Failure
Recovery.
Shunt Door Opening to the device that connects the dialysate lines when not in use.
Shunt Interlock Located on the right side of your machine, it is the device that
connects the dialysate lines when they are not in use. Audible alarms may be silenced
when the dialysate supply lines are on the shunt (unless the Optical Detector senses
blood).
Sodium Chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used
in medicine. Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure
regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance.
Status Box The Status Box is located in the top, left corner of the Touch Screen. It
displays various operational modes, warnings, alarms, or operator instructions. The
Status Box background changes between three different colors to display your
machines conditions.
Steal Syndrome Pain or weak pulse in affected limb caused by shunting of normal
arterial blood supply through the access thus depriving distal extremity of needed
oxygenation.
Stenosis The narrowing of a blood vessel. Stenosis slows the flow of blood and
causes turbulence inside the vessel.
Sterile Free from living microorganisms.
Stethoscope A medical instrument for listening for sounds within the body.
Syringe Instrument used for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
Systolic Pressure The higher blood pressure number of the two, it is the bloods
pressure during a heartbeat.
Temperature Alarm Indicates that the dialysate temperature is too high or too low.
Dialysate that is too high can cause hemolysis. Too cool dialysate can cause patient
discomfort and reduce the efficiency of the treatment.
Theoretical Conductivity (TCD) The approximate conductivity of the dialysate based
upon the concentrate type, and sodium and bicarbonate values entered in the Dialysis
Home screen. TCD is measured in milliSiemens per centimeter (mS/cm) and is
corrected to 25C.
Thrill The vibration of blood flowing through the patients fistula or graft. It can be felt
by touching the access.
TMP (Transmembrane Pressure) The difference in pressure between the filtrate and
permeate sides of the dialyzer membrane. TMP = Dialysate Pressure Venous
Pressure.
Transducer An electronic sensor in your machine that reads the pressure inside the
arterial and venous drip chambers. Transducers are connected to the drip chambers
through pressure monitor lines.
Transducer Protector A small, disposable, plastic cap containing a hydrophobic
paper filter that fits over each pressure port. Inserted between the pressure monitor line
and the pressure port connection, it is used to prevent the transducer from becoming
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wet or contaminated with blood. There are two transducer protectors for each
connection: a disposable external TP that is to be replaced with each treatment and a
second, internal TP that comes installed with the module.
Tubing Guides Components on the blood pump module to properly align the blood
pump segment within the blood pump module.
Tx Abbreviation for treatment.
Tx Clock The amount of time remaining until the end of the treatment. The Tx Clock
is viewable in the Dialysis Home screen as a pie chart button.
Tx Paused Indicator that treatment is paused.
Tx Running Indicator that dialysis is in progress.
UF Abbreviation for Ultrafiltration.
UF Goal Total amount of fluid to be removed during the treatment.
Ultrafiltration The process of drawing off excess fluid from the patient during
treatment. Your machines hydraulic system is a closed system that uses a separate
UF pump for greater measured accuracy.
Ultrasonic Sensor Used to sense fluid in the venous chamber.
Urea Dissolved protein waste product.
Users Guide Set of instructions on the proper use of the 2008K@home machine.
Venous Access Route used to return dialyzed blood back to the patient.
Venous Drip Chamber Chamber within the extracorporeal circuit where venous
pressure is monitored. A bubble trap inside the drip chamber collects any air that enters
the blood tubing.
Venous Line Clamp Metal piece on the level detector module that clamps the venous
line when there is a blood alarm to prevent blood from being delivered to the patient.
Venous Outflow The flow of blood leaving a fistula.
Venous Pressure The pressure within the venous drip chamber of the extracorporeal
circuit.
Venous Pressure Port Opening on the level detector module to monitor venous
pressure.
Venous Side of Dialyzer The end of the dialyzer returning the dialyzed blood back to
the patient.
Vinegar Acid used for the Acid Rinse Cycle.
Vomiting The forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
Warning Statement that identifies conditions or actions that could result in personal
injury or loss of life.
Your K Map Map for patient to navigate the 2008K@home machines modules and
control panel.

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APPENDIX B HEMODIALYSIS BASIC TRAINING


Introduction To Hemodialysis 1
The following is an introduction to home hemodialysis using the Fresenius 2008K@home
machine. Being on dialysis probably makes you feel like you have less control over some
aspects of your life. Things that you previously took for granted - like the food you ate or the
amount of fluid that you drank - now require much more thought and consideration than they
once did. Your decision to learn home hemodialysis will allow you to take a much more active
role in your healthcare. Home hemodialysis will hopefully give you more freedom and control
over your life.
THE KIDNEYS AND HOW THEY WORK
Your doctor has diagnosed you with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Stage 5 (end-stage renal
disease). This means that your kidneys no longer function at a level necessary to sustain a state
of wellness compatible with a long-term, good quality of life. There was a time when there was
no treatment for CKD. The good news is that today, if you choose, there are several options
available, including hemodialysis, to keep people with CKD healthy for a very long period of
time.
Kidneys are magnificent organs. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a
year. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just above the waist. Each kidney is
only about the size of a clenched fist. About every 2 minutes, all the blood in the body circulates
through the kidneys. In healthy kidneys, tiny filters, called nephrons, remove excess fluid and
impurities from the blood. These impurities are excreted as urine.
When the kidneys are working properly, they perform many functions. Some of these functions
are very obvious, like the production of urine. Others that are essential to a healthy life but less
obvious include:
Regulation of body chemistry,
Production of hormones that help regulate blood pressure and produce new red blood
cells
Cleansing your body of impurities, and
Balancing your bodys pH, to name just a few.
You probably were able to tell when your kidneys were starting to fail. Some of the symptoms
may have included: always feeling tired, loss of appetite, severe itching, nausea, shortness of
breath, and swelling in your face, hands, and ankles. Again, the good news is that with the
proper treatment regimen, including dialysis, following your renal diet, and taking all your
medications as prescribed, most of these symptoms can be minimized - you can hopefully
regain a level of function that will let you participate in the lifestyle that you were accustomed to
before your kidneys failed.

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WHAT IS HEMODIALYSIS?
The option you chose to manage your kidney disease is hemodialysis. During a hemodialysis
treatment, your blood is continuously moved between your body and the hemodialysis system.
Your blood is drawn into the system and passed through a dialyzer or artificial kidney. The
dialyzer is sometimes called the artificial kidney because it performs three of the functions that
healthy kidneys perform. The dialyzer:
Removes the excess fluid that builds up in your body (cardiovascular system, tissues,
and lungs) in between treatments
Removes the toxins that build up in your body from the byproducts of the food you eat
and from the normal breakdown and repair of muscle and tissue helps to readjust your
body chemistry closer to normal values - things like your blood potassium, sodium,
phosphorus, and acid base balance
How the Dialyzer Works
The processes that occur inside the dialyzer are actually quite interesting. As your blood enters
the top of the dialyzer, it is channeled into thousands of tiny fibers or straws that are the size of
a human hair. The dialyzer fibers are surrounded by a solution called dialysate. Dialysate is
made up of purified water and prescribed chemicals that help correct your body chemistry and
carry away the waste products that come out of your blood. Even though the dialysate
surrounds the fibers containing your blood, the blood and dialysate never come into direct
contact with each other. The fibers are semipermeable - that is, they allow impurities to go out
but keep the good things, like blood cells and proteins, in. The dialyzers semipermeable fibers
allow excess fluid and impurities to move out of your blood and into the dialysate. The three
processes that take place inside the dialyzer that make this happen are diffusion, osmosis,
and ultrafiltration.

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APPENDIX C VITAL SIGN CHECK AND RECORDING


RECORDING YOUR VITAL SIGNS
Taking and recording your vital signs are important steps in preparing for treatment. You will be
asked to record your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse before, during, and after each
treatment. You will be asked to record your weight before and after each treatment. All of
this information will be documented on your treatment flowsheet and will become part of your
treatment records. The flowsheet allows your doctor and your dialysis unit to track the progress
of your treatments. Every dialysis unit has its own flowsheets. Your home training staff will give
you copies of your unit-specific flowsheet and will train you on your units procedures for
recording your vital signs.

TAKING YOUR TEMPERATURE


Taking and recording your temperature help you establish your normal temperature range. Your
temperature will not be the same every time you take a reading. It is normal for your
temperature to change slightly depending on the time of day, the medications you are taking,
and your activity level. A normal temperature range for a healthy adult is 97.5 F to 99.5 F
(36.4 C to 37.5 C). A normal temperature range for an older adult is 96.8 F to 99.5 F (36.0 C
to 37.5 C).

High Temperature
The oral temperature of dialysis patients can often be below the normal ranges for healthy
adults and for older adults. Kidney disease and dialysis treatments can change the bodys
normal fever response - your temperature reading could be on the high end of the normal range
for a healthy adult but be a sign that you have an infection.
Possible Causes
Infection In Your Vascular Access
Cold Or Flu
Nausea Or Vomiting
Open Sores Or Wounds
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Notify your home training staff if your temperature is above normal before you start
treatment.
Start medications as ordered by your doctor.

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TAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE


What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats and when the heart is at rest.
Systolic Pressure is the measure of the highest pressure in an artery when your heart is
pumping the blood to your body. Diastolic Pressure is the measure of the lowest pressure in
the artery when your heart is at rest. Blood pressure is written with the systolic pressure first and
the diastolic pressure second. A normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult is around
120/80. Patients on dialysis may normally have higher or lower than normal blood pressures
because of their kidney disease.

What is Hypertension?
High blood pressure is called hypertension. Current guidelines define high blood pressure as a
pressure greater than 130/90.
Symptoms
There are often no symptoms of high blood pressure, but symptoms can include headache,
blurred vision, and flushing.
Possible Causes of High Blood Pressure:
Unusually High Stress
Failure To Take Blood Pressure Or Heart Medications As Ordered By Your Doctor
Greater Than Normal Weight Gain Between Treatments
Eating A Lot Of Salty Foods Between Treatments
Over-The-Counter Medications
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Notify your home training staff or doctor if your blood pressure is above normal before
you start treatment.
Have a record of previous blood pressure readings available when you contact your
home training staff or doctor.
Have a list of your current medications (prescription and over-the-counter) available
when you contact your home training staff or doctor. Let them know if you have missed
or changed any of your medication doses in the past 48 hours.
2

What is Hypotension?
Low blood pressure is called hypotension. Current guidelines define low blood pressure as
less than 90/50.
Symptoms of Hypotension
Signs and symptoms include: dizziness, sweating, feeling of illness/uneasiness/restlessness,
ringing in the ears or decreased hearing, nausea, vomiting, change in level of alertness, chest
pain or tightness, change in skin tone to pale, or seizures.

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Possible Causes:
Incorrect dosage of blood pressure or heart medications
Removing too much fluid during treatment
Rapid change in position
Weight loss between treatments caused by nausea,
Vomiting, or diarrhea
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Notify your home training staff or doctor if your blood pressure is low before you start
your treatment.
Administer saline during treatment as needed.
Set the system to remove the minimal UFR.
Drink additional fluids before and during your treatment.
Have a record of previous blood pressure readings and a list of your current medications
(prescription and over-the-counter) available when you contact your home training staff
or doctor. Let them know if you have missed or changed any of your medication doses in
the past 48 hours.
Tips for Taking Your Blood Pressure
Take your blood pressure in the same sitting position.
The cuff must fit correctly to your arm. A tight cuff can give a false high blood pressure
reading, and a large cuff can give a false low blood pressure reading.
If signs or symptoms of hypotension occur when you are sitting or lying down, dont get
up. Call for help and treat the signs and symptoms of hypotension before you change
position. If you are standing, sit down.
If your first blood pressure check is high or low, wait for about 10 minutes and then take
your blood pressure again. When you take your blood pressure the second time, make
sure the cuff is placed directly on your skin and is positioned correctly on your arm.
If you have questions about your blood pressure monitor refer to the 2008K@home
Users Guide that you will use once your training is complete and you are at home.
2

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TAKING YOUR PULSE


Your pulse rate measures your heart rate and rhythm. As your heart beats, it pushes blood
through your body. If you put your finger over one of your arteries where it is close to your skin
surface, such as on your wrist, you can feel a throb - this is your pulse. Pulse rate is measured
by counting the number of beats per minute. A normal pulse rate is between 60 and 100 beats
per minute. Your pulse rate may vary from minute to minute.

Rapid Pulse Rate


Possible Causes
Exercising
Stress
Fever
Pre-existing heart condition (tachycardia and atrial fibrillation)
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Notify your home training staff or doctor if your pulse measurement is above normal
before you start treatment.
Have a record of your previous pulse measurements and current medications
(prescription and over-the counter) available when you call your home training staff or
doctor.
Let your home training staff or doctor know if you have missed or altered your
medication in the past 48 hours.
Inform your home training staff or doctor if you experience chest pain, dizziness,
sweating, or weakness.
2

Slow Pulse Rate


Possible Causes
Blood pressure or heart medications
Pre-existing heart condition (bradycardia and atrial fibrillation)
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Notify your home training staff or doctor if your pulse measurement is below normal
before you start treatment.
Have a record of your previous pulse measurements available as a reference for your
home training staff or doctor.
Have a list of your current medications (prescription and over the-counter) available
when you call your home training staff or doctor.
Inform your home training staff or doctor if you have missed or altered your medication in
the past 48 hours.
Inform your home training staff or doctor of any other symptoms you are experiencing
such as chest pain, dizziness, sweating, or weakness.
TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR PULSE
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The most common place to feel the pulse is on your wrist over your radial artery. Move
your fingertips around your wrist - stopping for a few seconds in each area to try to feel
your pulse. Continue moving from area to area on your wrist until you find an area where
you can easily feel your pulse.
Try holding your arm pointing toward the floor -sometimes your pulse is easier to feel
with your arm down than when your arm is pointing up.
You can take your pulse over your vascular access.
Try changing the pressure of your fingertips on your wrist- try increasing the pressure
and decreasing the pressure by small amounts.
Be sure to count your pulse rate for 1 full minute.
If your pulse rate is low or high, rest for 10 minutes and take your pulse again.
PROCEDURE
Taking Your Pulse
STEP 1 Locate your radial artery on the inside of your wrist on the thumb side.
STEP 2 Place two fingers of one hand over the radial artery on your opposite wrist. Dont press
too hard, just hard enough to feel your heartbeat.
STEP 3 Count the heartbeat for 1 full minute - use a watch or a clock with a second hand for
timing.
STEP 4 The number of beats you counted in 1 minute equals your pulse rate.
STEP 5 Skipped or irregular beats can occur if your heart rate is irregular. If the beats occur at
an irregular interval, make a note that your pulse was irregular when entering your pulse rate on
your flowsheet.

RECORDING YOUR WEIGHT


The Fresenius 2008K@home machine requires that you enter your current weight on the user
interface screen before every treatment. The system will use the weight you enter plus the
additional volume you enter to calculate the fluid removal for your treatment. When your doctor
and home training staff talk about weight, there are a few different terms they will use - pre
weight, post weight, goal weight, additional volume, UF goal, and UF rate.
Checking for Fluid Gain
When weighing yourself, you may also be asked to check for fluid gain. Your home training staff
might require you to check for edema (swelling). You can easily check for edema. Push down
on the skin on your ankle with the fingertips of two fingers. Then release and watch to see if
your skin indents and for how long it stays indented.
If your skin indents, count the number of seconds it takes for the skin to come back up to normal
position.
Pre weight: your weight right before the dialysis treatment
Post weight: your weight at the end of the dialysis treatment (including any saline that
might be given after your blood has been rinsed back)
Goal weight: your weight if your kidneys were working normally - determined by your
doctor
UF Goal: is determined by subtracting your goal weight from your pre weight
UF Rate (UFR): the rate at which excess fluid can be removed during dialysis

High Pre Weight


Possible Causes
Drinking too much fluid in between treatments
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Wearing shoes when you normally weigh yourself without shoes - or wearing heavier
shoes than normal
Wearing heavier clothing than normal
Scale not level
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Verify that you are weighing yourself with the same amount of clothing and wearing the
same type of shoes as normal.
Verify that the scale is level.
Remove the maximum fluid your can tolerate in a single session - Ask your doctor if
there is a specific maximum amount of fluid you can remove in a single treatment.
Monitor your fluid gain closely between this treatment and the next, and try to reach your
goal weight in the next treatment.

Low Pre Weight


Possible Causes
Flu or a viral illness
Not wearing shoes when you usually weigh yourself with your shoes on
Wearing lighter clothing than normal
Scale not level
Loss of actual body weight
Response
Follow your clinics recommendations. They may include the following:
Verify that you are weighing yourself with the same amount of clothing and wearing the
same type of shoes as normal. Verify that the scale is level.
Notify your home training staff. Set the UFR to remove the minimal amount of fluid
allowed during your treatment.
Drink additional fluids before and during treatment.
Administer additional saline during the treatment as needed.
Tips for Weighing Yourself
Place the scale on a flat, level surface (carpeting or uneven flooring can cause
inaccurate measurements).
Keep the scale in the same place for taking both your pre- and post-dialysis weights.
Try to always measure your weight with about the same amount of clothing on and your
shoes off. This will prevent an inaccurate weight measurement.
It is important to weigh yourself in kilograms. Using units in kilograms makes fluid
conversions more accurate (1 kilogram in body weight is equal to 1 liter of fluid) (1
kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds).
Stand in the center of the scale pad and do not move until a stable weight is displayed
on the scale.
If your pre weight is unusually high or low, weigh yourself a second time to make sure
the first reading was correct.
Refer to the scale manufacturers instructions for information on calibrating or zeroing
the scale to make sure the correct weight is displayed.
If you have questions about your scale, refer to the user manual of the model that you
will use once your training is complete and you are at home.

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APPENDIX D INTRADIALYTIC COMPLICATIONS


Intradialytic complications of hemodialysis may occur frequently or infrequently and can be
categorized according to severity. Below is a table which divides intradialytic complications into
the categories of serious and less serious. It is the responsibility of the home hemodialysis
trainer to review the below chart with the home hemodialysis patient and partner and discuss
etiology (patient related factors, procedure related factors and others), pathogenesis, treatment
and prevention. Comprehensive training materials addressing intradialytic complication
etiology, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention are available at
www.advancedrenaleducation.com. Please refer to the glossary for definition of terms.
Warning: Patients who are experiencing intradialytic complications must be instructed to
promptly discuss their complication(s) with the nephrologist in order for appropriate treatment to
be executed.

Serious
Common

Less Serious

Hypotension

Headache

Dialyzer reaction

Nausea/vomiting

Electrolyte disturbance

Cramping

Uncommon
Hemolysis

Restless leg syndrome

Febrile reaction

Itching

Bleeding

Chest/back pain

Seizures
Air embolism
Hypoxia
Arrhythmia
Dysequilibrium Syndrome

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APPENDIX E INFECTION CONTROL


This section will teach you proper infection control procedures that should be followed while
using the Fresenius 2008K@home machine.
The objective of infection control is to prevent the spread of infection from patient to patient,
caregiver to patient, or patient to caregiver. Keeping a clean environment is the responsibility of
everyone using dialysis equipment. It is especially important for dialysis patients to practice
infection control because they face an increased risk of infection.
When learning about infection control, you will hear the following terms: Each dialysis unit has
specific policies and procedures to limit the spread of infection during dialysis treatment. You
will need to practice your unit-specific policies as well as the policies explained in the users
guide.

Important Definitions

Sterile - to be completely free of germs


Clean - to be nearly free of germs, properly disinfected, and suitable for use in certain
parts of the treatment
Pathogen - any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacteria, or other
microorganism

Aseptic Technique

Aseptic technique refers to the practices that help reduce the risk of infection. The
transfer of germs is prevented by keeping the number of germs to a minimum.
Aseptic techniques include:
Removing or killing bacteria or viruses on hands and objects
Preventing direct contamination of materials and supplies
Using sterile products to maintain a sterile fluid pathway
Reducing the risk of exposure to patients and caregivers to potentially infectious blood
and tissue during treatment
Using clean nonsterile gloves when contact with bloodborne pathogens is possible

When to Use Aseptic Technique

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You must use aseptic technique when handling:


Blood-side disposables
Dialysate-side disposables
Your vascular access
Fistula needles
Sterile recirculation caps
Open ends of saline bags (when hanging and spiking)
Ends of the syringes

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Maintaining a Sterile Fluid Pathway


The blood tubing, fistula needles, recirculation caps, the open ends of the saline bags, and the
syringes have sterile fluid pathways - that means that the inside of all tubing and connectors
that carry and hold the blood or sterile fluids during treatment are sterile and must remain
sterile. You can keep the ends of the tubing sterile by not touching them with your hands or
allowing them to contact any surface. All Fresenius 2008K@home machine disposables must
remain inside their packaging until you are ready to use them for a treatment.

Universal Precautions
Universal precautions is an approach to infection control that assumes that all human blood and
body fluids are infectious. Using universal precautions when performing dialysis involves using
barriers to prevent the exposure of caregivers to bloodborne pathogens from patients when a
blood or body fluid exposure is likely to occur.
Barriers used in standard universal precautions include:
Fluid-resistant barrier gown
Clean, nonsterile gloves
Mask and eye protection or face shield

When to Use Universal Precautions


You should use universal precautions when you begin and end treatment and any time you
access the blood pathways (once blood has entered the system). Your home training staff will
advise you on the universal precautions that you should follow when performing dialysis
treatment at home.

Warning Statements
The following warning statements should be reviewed with each patient regarding the
procedures that requires using aseptic technique or universal precautions.
WARNING: Use aseptic technique when handling blood or dialysate tubing, treatment
fluids, or connecting to the system to prevent and control the possibility of infection.
WARNING: Universal precautions should be used during the use and maintenance of
the Fresenius 2008K@home machine for dialysis treatment to reduce the risk of
exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

HOW GERMS ARE SPREAD: PROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURE


Germs are invisible, and the spread of germs is invisible. Germs are very easily spread with
your hands. Unwashed hands can quickly touch contaminate clean areas by moving the
germs from a dirty area to a clean area. This can lead to the spread of infection and cause
illness. As a dialysis patient, you face an increased risk of getting infections. There are also
many viruses that patients on dialysis are especially susceptible to contracting.
Handwashing is a simple, but important, step to take to help prevent spreading germs. Germs
are always on your skin and on all items or surfaces you touch. By washing your hands
correctly, you can remove many of the germs. Frequent and correct hand washing can easily
and effectively reduce the spread of germs.

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Correct Handwashing Procedure


STEP 1 Rinse your hands with warm water.

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STEP 2 Lather your hands with soap, and rub your hands together vigorously. Scrub
your hands, in-between your fingers, and under your fingernails, for about 20 seconds.
STEP 3 Rinse your hands with warm water. Let the water run from the tips of your
fingers down to your hands. After you wash your hands, you must be very careful not to
recontaminate your hands by touching any objects in the washroom.
STEP 4 Leave the water running while you dry your hands with a clean towel. Use the
towel to turn off the faucets on the sink.

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APPENDIX F VASCULAR ACCESS CARE


HOW YOUR ACCESS WORKS
Your hemodialysis vascular access or access, allows your blood to reach the Fresenius
2008K@home machine for treatment. Your access will be either an arteriovenous fistula (also
referred to as an AVF) or an arteriovenous graft (also referred to as an AVG) or possibly a
tunneled dialysis catheter (referred to as TDC).
A fistula is an access made by joining an artery and vein in your arm.
A graft is an access made by using a piece of soft tube to join an artery and vein in your
arm.
A catheter is a large plastic tube that is placed into a large vein in your neck or chest and
extends outside your body.

How Your Access Works


You will place needles into your fistula or graft at the beginning of each treatment. The needles
are connected to the blood tubing (arterial and venous), and the blood tubing is connected to
the Fresenius 2008K@home machine. Your blood will travel through the arterial tubing into the
Fresenius 2008K@home machine, will be cleaned by the dialyzer, and then returned to your
body through the venous tubing. Catheters can be directly connected to the blood tubing
(arterial and venous) without the use of a needle. They however have a higher risk of infection
because they directly connect the outside of your body to inside a large blood vessel leading to
your heart.

PREPARING YOUR ACCESS

Step 1: Wash Your Hands and Your Vascular Access Site


o

Step 2: Put on Gloves


o

The second step in preparing your access is to put on gloves. You must use
aseptic technique when preparing your access and connecting to the Fresenius
2008K@home machine. This will help prevent bacteria on your skins surface
from being pushed into your bloodstream by the needle.

Step 3: Check Your Access Area


o

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The first step in preparing your access is washing your hands and your vascular
access site.

The third step in preparing your access is to check your access and the area
around your access. The steps for checking your access are slightly different for
fistulas or grafts - please read the appropriate section for your type of access.

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FISTULAS (AVF)
LOOK

Check the entire length of your fistula and old puncture sites for signs of infection.
Specifically you should look for redness, swelling, drainage, tenderness, or bruises. It is
normal for the buttonhole site to have a small scab.
Check your vein to make sure it is healthy. You will need a 1-inch straight segment of
vein to cannulate with the 1- inch fistula needle. You should look for a well-developed,
main vein outflow of the fistula. Make sure there are no bulging vein areas. Bulging
areas are aneurysm formations and must not be used for needle cannulation.
Raise your vascular access arm. Your entire fistula should flatten and become soft. If
your fistula does not flatten and stays enlarged, this means there is a narrowing in the
vein (stenosis) somewhere between the area where your fistula was made and your
heart. Notify your home training staff if you note this change in your fistula.
Remember: if your gloves become contaminated (by touching your face, hair, furniture,
the dialysis system, or any other surface), change your gloves immediately before
proceeding.

LISTEN

Using a stethoscope, listen for the bruit. The bruit is the low-pitched, continuous swishswish sound you hear with the diastolic and systolic phases of your blood pressure. The
bruit is strongest at the arterial inflow and weakens as you move your stethoscope up
the vein.
If the bruit has a high pitched, interrupted swish-swish sound, it may be an indication of
stenosis, a narrowing within the fistula or in the vein leading all the way back to your
heart.
If you think that you may have a problem with your fistula, contact your home training
staff for instructions.

FEEL

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Using your second and middle fingers, feel your fistula. Your fistula should feel soft and
be easy to compress with your fingers. You should feel a buzzing sensation, which is
called the thrill. The thrill is strongest at the arterial inflow and weakens as you move
your fingers up the vein.
If the thrill feels strong and pulse-like, and the vein is firm instead of soft, it may be an
indication of stenosis. Feel the fistula for tenderness or warmth, which may indicate that
you have an infection.
If you are concerned that your fistula feels different than normal, contact your home
training staff.

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GRAFTS (AVG)
LOOK

Check the entire length of your graft and old puncture sites for signs of infection.
Specifically you should look for redness, swelling, drainage, tenderness, or bruises.
Inspect the graft to make sure it is healthy. You will need a 1-inch straight segment of
graft to cannulate with the 1- inch fistula needle. You should look for a healthy graft that
is well-defined and regular in shape. It will not contain any pseudoaneurysm formations
(large bulging areas that cannot be used for cannulation).

LISTEN

Using a stethoscope, listen for the bruit. The bruit is the low-pitched, continuous swishswish sound you hear with the diastolic and systolic phases of your blood pressure. The
bruit is strongest at the arterial inflow and weakens as you move your stethoscope up
the graft.
If the bruit has a high pitched, interrupted swish-swish sound, it may be an indication of
stenosis, a narrowing within the graft or in the vein leading all the way back to your
heart.
If you think that you may have a problem with your graft, contact your home training staff
for instructions.

FEEL

Using your second and middle fingers, feel your graft. Your graft should feel round and
smooth and free from dips or indentations on the surface. It should not feel soft or
mushy. If your graft feels soft, this can be an indication of onesite- itis and lead to the
formation of a pseudoaneurysm.
You should feel a buzzing sensation, which is called the thrill. It is strongest at the
arterial inflow and weakens as you feel the graft at the venous outflow.
If the thrill feels strong and pulse-like, it could be a sign of stenosis. The change in the
thrill can be felt over the area where the narrowing has occurred if it is within the body of
the graft itself. If the narrowing is in the outflow vein, the entire graft will have a strong,
pulse-like thrill.
Feel the graft for tenderness or warmth, which may indicate that you have an infection.
If you are concerned that your graft feels different than normal, contact your home
training staff.

Tips for Preparing Your Access - Fistulas and Grafts

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Never insert needles into an access that looks infected. Bacteria can quickly enter your
bloodstream through an infected access. Contact your home training staff or doctor
immediately if you suspect an infection.
A change in the sound of the bruit may indicate a problem. A decrease in the thrill or in
the bruit should be immediately reported to your doctor and home training staff.
You can evaluate your fistula or graft for Steal Syndrome. Your fistula or graft changes
the normal blood flow to your hand, which can lead to Steal Syndrome. If your hands
begin to hurt, become cold or blue, and the movement and sensation in your fingers is
decreased, notify your home training staff.

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CANNULATE AND SECURE YOUR VASCULAR ACCESS


Once your access site has been carefully cleaned, you can insert your dialysis needle. Aseptic
technique must be used for all needle insertions. Follow your unit-specific procedures for
inserting needles. Review the procedure below for self-cannulation and securing your access,
and discuss it with your home training staff. This procedure is included here as an example only.
Your home training staff will provide you with unit-specific procedures for cannulating and
securing your access.

What Supplies Will I Need?


Have the following supplies ready:
Three alcohol prep pads
Two 10cc syringes with needles
Two pairs of gloves
Two fistula needles (size prescribed by your doctor)
One bandage
One roll transpore or micropore tape
One tourniquet (AVFs only)
One underpad
Germicidal soap
Chloraprep applicator
Personal protection equipment (gown, eye protection, face shield, and gloves)

Cannulating and Securing Your Access

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STEP 1 Wash your hands and access area with germicidal soap and water.
STEP 2 Put on a pair of gloves and personal protection equipment.
STEP 3 Prepare the saline medication port on the I.V. bag with the alcohol prep pads,
and fill both of the syringes with 8 ccs of normal saline solution.
STEP 4 Open the needle package and place it on a clean work area.
STEP 5 Attach the syringes to the end of each fistula needle tubing, but do not prime the
needles.
STEP 6 Place an underpad under your access arm.
STEP 7 Check the vascular access area for any signs or symptoms of infection. If the
thrill is not present or is weak, stop and notify your home training staff.
STEP 8 Clean the insertion site using aseptic technique and cleanser recommended by
your dialysis clinic. Using a back and forth motion, wet the treatment area for 30
seconds. Do not touch the site after it has been cleaned. (If you touch the site after it has
been cleaned, you must reprep the site.)
STEP 9 Take off your gloves and put on a new pair.
STEP 10 Apply a tourniquet to your arm above the insertion site. (You do not need a
tourniquet if you have a graft).
STEP 11 Anchor the vein or graft between the thumb and forefinger to prevent
movement.
STEP 12 Insert the needle, bevel-up, at a 45-degree angle for a graft or at a 35- (or less)
degree angle for a fistula. Advance the needle until blood is seen in the tubing and or a
decrease in resistance is felt. Level the needle and advance into the vessel.
STEP 13 Check for the blood flashback (you may need to release the needle clamp to
see the blood flashback) and, if visible, pull back 1 to 5 ccs of blood with the 10 cc
syringe. Flush the needle with saline and clamp. The needle must pull back and flush
with ease. If not, reposition the needle.
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STEP 14 Apply a bandage over the insertion site and tape down the needle. Repeat
steps for second needle

VASCULAR ACCESS CARE


Daily Care

Check the skin over and around your access. Signs and symptoms of an access
infection can include fever, skin redness, drainage, pain, or warmth to the touch over or
surrounding the access. Report any signs or symptoms of an access infection to your
home care staff.
Check your access thrill two times per day. A decrease in the strength of the thrill could
mean that the blood flow inside the access has clotted. Call your home care staff right
away.
To prevent blood flow from decreasing, do not wear tight jewelry or tight clothing over
the access, and do not carry heavy items over your access arm.

Blood Flow Check: Thrill:


The thrill is the buzzing or pulse you feel when you place your fingertips over your access. The
pulse you feel is caused by the blood moving inside your access.

Pre-Dialysis Care

Check your access thrill. Report any changes before the access is used for treatment.
After the needles are inserted for treatment, ensure that the tape has not been wrapped
too tightly around your access (this will cause the thrill to decrease).
If you notice symptoms of infection, notify your home care staff before your access is
used for treatment.
Wash your access arm with soap and water.
Your arm should be prepped with a cleaning solution right before needles are inserted.

Post-Dialysis Care

When the needles have been removed, hold direct pressure on the access site for at
least 5-10 minutes. Wait until the skin and the hole in the vein have stopped bleeding
before you place a dressing over the site. The access thrill should be present while you
are holding your needle sites and after the bleeding has stopped.
The dressing from the needle sites should be removed in the timeframe per facility
protocol. Check your access for signs or symptoms of infection. Report any signs to your
home care staff.

TUNNELED DIALYSIS CATHETER (TDC)


A Tunneled Dialysis Catheter (TDC) can be an alternative form of a hemodialysis vascular
access. The TDC is a large plastic tube that is placed into a large vein most commonly in the
neck or shoulder area. The tube is divided into separate sides and the sides that are commonly
colored coded red and blue. The red side or lumen is the arterial lumen. The blue side or
lumen is the venous lumen. You will connect the TDC lumens (arterial and venous) to the blood
tubing of the 2008K@home machine. Your blood will travel through the arterial tubing and on
the 2008K@home machine, will be cleaned by the dialyzer, and then returned to you body
through the venous tubing.
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You will be carefully trained to open your TDC to make the connections to the blood tubing.
Anytime the TDC has the clamps and caps opened, you can be at risk to get an infection. You
will be trained to use the proper infection control techniques when using your TDC for dialysis
treatment and changing the dressing over the catheter.
Daily Care
Dressing Check:
Inspect the dressing to make sure it covers the TDC exit site.
Make sure the catheter clamps and caps are closed at all times.
If your dressing becomes wet or loose, refer to your unit specific instructions.

Pre-dialysis / Post-dialysis Care


Infection Check:

103

Your TDC site may not be visible through the dressing, so your exit sites should be
checked with each dialysis treatment for any signs or symptom of infection by the
dialysis care team.
Report any fevers, night sweats, general weakness, nausea or a general feeling of
malaise (discomfort, uneasiness). Infections can become severe in a short period of time
if bacteria enters the blood stream through your TDC.
You and your dialysis nurse should wear a surgical mask anytime your TDC has the
dressing changed or the caps are removed for use. This prevents germs from entering
the TDC area.
Never let anyone use your TDC for any reason other than dialysis without notifying
your nephrologist first.
The EMS and emergency room staff should not use the TDC to draw blood or give you
IV fluids.
If your TDC should move out of your vein or fall out of your skin, place direct pressure on
the skin site with the palm of your hand and call for help.

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APPENDIX G COMPETENCY CHECKLIST


Facility:

Facility trainer:

Address:

Student:

City:

In-service specialist:

State:

Warning:

Zip:

Date of training:

The facility trainer or student must read and understand the users guide including all Warnings and Cautions
statement.

Clamp Symbols on Setup Screens

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

A Patient Arterial Line from Machine


a Patient Arterial Line from Access
V Patient Venous Line from Machine
v Patient Venous Line from Access
S Saline Line
R Clamp on Saline Line below the Saline Bag
D Drain Bag
M Medication Lines to the Drip Chambers
H Heparin Line

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Indication for Use & General Warnings

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain structure of users guide


2. Review indication for use
3. Review contraindications
4. Review general warnings and explain importance
Overview of 2008K@home Machine System
1. Show major components of Control Panel, Module
Compartment, and Dialysate Circuit section
2. Explain function of keys on Control Panel
3. Show location of Arterial Drip Chamber Holder and Tubing
Guides
4. Explain keys, display, and components of the Blood Pump
module
5. Demonstrate functionality of Heparin Pump module
6. Explain the keys and components of the Level Detector
module
- Stress the importance of the venous clamp
7. Show the handling of the concentrate connectors for
bicarbonate and acid concentrate
8. Show the handling of the dialyzer quick-connectors and the
shunt interlock
Overview of 2008K@home Machine Software
1. Explain the various types of buttons and which are selectable
2. Explain how to read the progress bar graph on various
screens
3. Explain how to read the flowchart along the top of the screen
4. Explain alert sections of the display
- Status Box
- Dialogue Box

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Entering Prescription

Training

Competence Comments
Check

1. Press Power key and touch Rx Parameter on the Select


Program screen
2. Touch Conc button to enter Select Concentrate screen
3. Use the Up/Down arrows to choose the prescribed
concentrate
4. Confirm selection with CONFIRM key
5. Select each of the parameters (Na+, Dialysate Flow,
Bicarbonate, Temperature) and enter the prescribed
parameters
6. Touch Syringe button and enter prescribed syringe
7. Select each of the parameters (Heparin Rate, Stop Heparin,
Heparin Bolus) and enter the prescribed parameters
8. Touch Blood Pressure button and enter the prescribed alarm
limits, Inflation Pressure, and Interval. Set clock time in upper
right hand corner of screen.
9. Select each of the parameters (Dry Weight, Tx Time, Max
UF Vol) and enter the prescribed parameters
10. Touch Done button to complete entering prescription
Prepare for Setup

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Obtain all of your supplies and arrange for convenient access


during setup
2. Ensure that water system is running and has been checked
according to manufacturers specification
3. Press Power key and check if the machine requires rinse or
disinfection

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Setup

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Remove Acid Concentrate connector and touch Dialysis


screen button
2. Check prescribed concentrate is listed and that Na+ and
Bicarbonate settings are correct. Press CONFIRM key.
3. Press CONFIRM key and connect red acid connector to acid
concentrate jug. Plug blue bicarbonate connector into
bicarbonate jug. Provide enough concentrate for a full
treatment.
4. Touch Done button to go to the next screen
Testing (Tx Setup)
1. Explain grayed-out Done button and test progress bar during

test
2. Touch Start Test and press CONFIRM to begin testing

machine
3. When Status Box reads Test Complete, press RESET to

clear message
4. Touch Done button to go to the next screen
5. Explain steps required to retest machine after failed test

Arterial Line Screen 1 (Tx Setup)


1. Explain components of the blood line set and the functionality
2. Insert dialyzer into holder
3. Hang Drain Bag on posts
4. Snap arterial drip chamber into holder

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5. Remove Tape 1 and demonstrate feeding pump segment

into pump
a. Open blood pump door, press and hold Start/Stop
key until blood pump stops (to align for placement of
blood pump segment)
b. Firmly insert left side of pump segment into pump
housing and make sure hard plastic piece is below
housing
c. Press and hold Start/Stop key until pump segment is
fully loaded and blood pump stops
6. Remove Tape 2 and connect arterial line to bottom of

dialyzer
7. Insert line into tubing guides and explain risk of kinked lines
8. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Arterial Line Screen 2 (Tx Setup)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Connect patient end of arterial line to drain bag


2. Connect transducer protector to arterial pressure port and

explain functionality of transducer protectors. Show


procedure to change wet TP.
3. Tighten the red and blue recirc connector
4. Close saline clamp S
5. Hang Saline Bag
6. Remove Tape 3 and fully insert the priming spike into a bag

of saline
7. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

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Venous Line (Tx Setup)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Roll venous chamber into holder; make sure the filter is below

the sensor heads


2. Insert line into Venous Clamp and Optical Detector. Explain

functionality of both components again.


3. Connect patient end of venous line to drain bag
4. Remove Tape 4 and connect venous line to dialyzer
5. Insert line into tubing guides
6. Connect transducer protector to venous pressure port
7. Close all medication clamps M
8. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Prime Blood Side (Tx Setup)


1. Demonstrate proper use and function of the level detector
2. Review air detector alarms
3. Stress the importance and function of the air detector and

transducers protector
4. Draw up heparin dose into prescribed syringe
5. Prime heparin line, insert your selected syringe, close clamp H
6. Open saline line clamp S
7. Gravity prime arterial patient line to drain bag
8. Close arterial patient line clamp A
9. Turn on the blood pump
10. Touch the Prime button and press CONFIRM to begin priming

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11. Set arterial drip chamber level using the arterial Level Up key

on the Blood Pump


12. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Prime Dialysate Side Screen 1 (Tx Setup)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Verify the following:

o Dialysate lines on shunt


o Conductivity and temperature stabilized
o Independent meter is properly calibrated
o Patient has a clean, non-foam container for collection
2. Open shunt door and unsnap blue dialysate line
3. Rinse container and collect sample
4. Close shunt door
5. Open shunt door and snap blue dialysate line back on shunt.
6. Test dialysate with an independent device
7. Enter conductivity
8. Enter pH
9. Press CONFIRM to confirm selection
10. When recirculation is complete, touch Done button to go to

the next screen

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Prime Dialysate Side Screen 2 (Tx Setup)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

11. Rotate dialyzer


12. Connect blue dialysate line to venous side of dialyzer and red

dialysate line to arterial side of dialyzer


13. Close drain bag clamp D and open arterial patient line

clamp A
14. Touch Recirc Saline and press CONFIRM to begin

recirculation
15. When recirculation is complete, touch Done button to go to

the next screen


Enter Treatment Parameter (Tx Setup)
1. To calculate a new UF goal, touch the UF Calculator button

a.
b.
c.
d.

Touch the Pre Weight button and enter your weight


Touch Additional Volume and enter amount
Press CONFIRM to confirm changes
Touch Done button to go to the next screen

2. Explain units required for UF calculator and recommend scale

with units in kg (not with lbs)


3. Review new UF goal and touch Done button to go to the next

screen
Connecting for Treatment (Tx Connect)
1. Check that machine has passed all pressure and alarm tests
2. Check that the dialysate is at proper temperature,

conductivity, and pH

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3. Check that the dialysate is tested and free of traces of

disinfectant
4. Check that machines bypass mode is functioning correctly

by opening and closing the shunt door and watching the float
in the dialyzer line
5. Explain use of integrated Blood Pressure Monitor and the

proper placement of blood pressure cuff


6. Prepare vascular access. If prescribed, administer

anticoagulant
7. Touch the Tx Connect button to begin connecting for

treatment
Flush Saline (Tx Connect)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain why saline is flushed before start of treatment


2. Press the Start/Stop key on the Blood Pump module to stop

blood pump
3. Open clamp D and gravity flush arterial line to drain bag
4. Close arterial patient clamp A
5. Change saline bag
6. Start blood pump and run 300 ml saline into drain bag
7. Stop blood pump and close clamps S

D V

8. Verify that line is flushed and set toggle-button to Yes, then

CONFIRM.
9. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

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Connect Blood Lines (Tx Connect)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Remove Tape 5
2. Disconnect arterial line from drain bag and connect to arterial

access. Stress importance of tight connections.


3. Remove Tape 6
4. Disconnect venous line from drain bag and connect to

venous access. Stress importance of tight connections.


5. Open clamps

A V

6. Open heparin line clamp

v
H

7. Infuse bolus if prescribed


8. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Start Treatment (Tx Connect)


1. Set blood pump speed, turn the blood pump on, and

gradually increase the speed to the prescribed blood flow


rate
2. Touch the Tx Paused button and press CONFIRM to start

treatment
3. Restate how to adjust the level of the arterial drip chamber
4. Explain importance of arterial, venous, and TMP pressure and

associated alarm windows


5. Explain importance of having enough concentrate for the

entire treatment
6. Calculate TMP
7. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

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Monitoring the Treatment (Home Screen)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain how parameters can be adjusted on the home

screen, if required
2. Monitor the bloodline connections, arterial, venous, and TMP

pressures; DO NOT allow concentrates to run out during


treatment
3. Measure and document patients vital signs according to

home program protocol


4. Address Alarms and Cautions messages without delay

End Treatment
1. Wait for UF Goal Reached message at end of treatment

then press RESET


2. Touch the Tx Running button and press CONFIRM to turn

off the treatment clock (Tx Paused)


3. Touch the Tx End button to begin disconnection

Check Saline (Tx End)


1. Stop blood pump
2. Check saline bag volume and change if necessary
3. Close arterial clamps
4. Close clamps

R S

5. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

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Return Blood (Tx End)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Connect arterial line to red recirc connector


2. Open clamps

R A

3. Start blood pump to return blood


4. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Disconnect (Tx End)


1. After the blood pump has stopped, close clamps
2. Close venous patient and access line clamps

R A
v

3. Disconnect venous access line


4. Remove needles or perform catheter care according to home

program protocol
5. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

Emptying (Tx End)


1. Disconnect priming set and attach venous line to blue recirc

connector
2. Open clamps

V A

3. Rotate dialyzer
4. Return the blue dialysate connector to shunt
5. Close shunt door to empty
6. Touch Done button to go to the next screen

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Cleansing (Tx End)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Return red dialysate connector to shunt


2. Discard bloodline circuit
3. Return blue bicarbonate connector to port
4. Return red concentrate connector to port
5. Touch Done button to go to the Select Program screen

Acid Clean and Heat Disinfect


1. Explain why the cleaning and disinfection screen prompt

(pop-up) on the Select Program screen would be displayed


and how to clear the message.
2. Return acid and bicarb concentrate connectors to machine
ports. The Select Program screen will appear
3. Touch the Acid Clean button; the lines will be rinsed
4. Put Connectors in chem message will appear. Connect

acid concentrate connector to acid and bicarb connector to


vinegar
5. Press CONFIRM to start
6. When completed, the message Put Connectors to ports will

appear. Put acid and bicarb connectors into respective ports


and CONFIRM to exit
7. Touch the Heat Disinfect button
8. Machine will shut itself off when done if the Off After Heat

Disin option is set in Service Mode. If not, press CONFIRM


and then press and hold POWER key to turn off machine
after the heat disinfect

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Acid Clean, Chemical Disinfect and Rinse

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Return acid and bicarb concentrate connectors to machine

ports. The Select Program screen will appear


2. Touch the Acid Clean button; the lines will be rinsed
3. Put Connectors in chem message will appear. Connect

acid concentrate connector to acid and bicarb connector to


vinegar
4. Press CONFIRM to start
5. When completed, the message Put Connectors to ports will

appear. Put acid and bicarb connectors into respective ports


and CONFIRM to exit
6. Touch the Chemical/Rinse button
7. Put Red Con in Chemical message will appear. Connect

acid concentrate connector to disinfectant container (yellow


connector bottle) and press CONFIRM
8. When completed, the message Return red wand to port will

appear. Return Acid concentrate connector to machine port


and machine will initiate a 15 minute mandatory rinse
9. Test for negative bleach residual according to unit policy.

DO NOT interrupt the mandatory rinse cycle. This MUST be


completed. Press and hold POWER key to turn off machine
once test for bleach is negative
Troubleshooting Air Detector Alarm
1. Explain purpose of air detector
2. Review troubleshooting for air detector alarm
a. Venous Drip Chamber in holder with adequate level of
solution?
b. Venous Drip Chamber position with filter below level
detector sensors. Cover closed and latched?

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c. Raise level by pressing and holding the S key on level


detector until the level of blood reaches acceptable
level.
d. Are sensors clean? If not, clean with alcohol pad.
e. Press RESET to reset the alarm
f. If unable to reset alarm, have a qualified technician
recalibrate for the model bloodline used

Troubleshooting Blood Pump Stop Alarm

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain impact of stopped blood pump and risk of clotting


2. Review troubleshooting for blood pump stop alarm
a. Assure the Blood Pump door is properly closed.
b. Check if the pump tubing segment is properly
positioned. Correct if necessary
c. Press RESET to reset the alarm.
d. Turn BFR to zero and slowly increase flow to
prescribed rate.
e. If unable to resume BFR, replace the Blood Pump
Module and resume treatment.
f. If Blood Pump Module is not functioning, hand crank
blood to the patient and call a qualified technician.

Troubleshooting Arterial Pressure Alarm (LOW)


1. Explain purpose of monitoring arterial pressure (LOW) and
potential impact on patients access
2. Review troubleshooting for Arterial Pressure LOW alarm
a. Check Arterial tubing for line kinks, clotting, or clamps.
b. Check the access needle position and access clots.
c. Is BFR too high?
d. Arterial Transducer Protector dry and monitor line clear
and unclamped?

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e. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press the RESET again


and hold for 1 second to select new alarm limits.
f. It may be necessary to start the Blood Pump at a slow
speed and gradually work up to desired rate.
g. If unable to reset alarm take machine out of service
and call your qualified technician.

Troubleshooting Arterial Pressure Alarm (HIGH)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1.
2.
3.
4.

Explain purpose of monitoring Arterial Pressure (HIGH)


Explain how to prevent and detect a clotted system
Demonstrate how to exchange wet Transducer Protector
Explain importance of placing line into tubing guides to
prevent kinking
5. Review troubleshooting for Arterial Pressure HIGH alarm
a. Check arterial and venous tubing for line kinks,
clotting, or clamps.
b. Clotted kidney?
c. Arterial Transducer Protector dry and monitor line clear
and unclamped?
d. If wet, clear pressure line and replace Transducer
Protector if necessary.
e. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press RESET again and
hold for 1 second to select new alarm limits.
f. If unable to reset alarm take machine out of service
and call qualified technician.

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Troubleshooting Venous Pressure Alarm (LOW)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain purpose of monitoring Venous Pressure (LOW)


2. Explain risk of disconnected line or leaking connections
3. Explain importance of tight connections and securing lines at
patients access
4. Review troubleshooting for Venous Pressure LOW alarm
a. Check for Venous line for loose connections, kinks,
clotting, or loose clamps.
b. Check for a disconnected line or leaks.
c. Venous Transducer Protector dry, monitor line clear
and unclamped.
d. If wet, clear pressure line and replace Transducer
Protector if necessary.
e. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press RESET again
and hold for 1 second to select new alarm limits.
f. If unable to reset alarm take machine out of service
and call qualified technician.

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Troubleshooting Venous Pressure Alarm (HIGH)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain purpose of monitoring Venous Pressure (HIGH)


2. Explain risk of kinked line
3. Demonstrate how to exchange wet Transducer Protector
4. Review troubleshooting for Venous Pressure HIGH alarm
a. Check Venous tubing for line kinks, clotting, or clamps
b. Venous Transducer Protector dry, monitor line clear
and unclamped?
c. Replace Transducer Protector if necessary.
d. Venous line unclamped during operation.
e. Check the needle for position and possible access
clots
f. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press RESET again and
hold for 1 second to select new alarm limits.
g. If condition persists, reduce blood flow rate.
h. If unable to reset alarm take machine out of service
and call qualified technician.

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Troubleshooting TMP Alarm (LOW)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain purpose of monitoring TMP (LOW)


2. Explain risk of leakage in the dialysate circuit
3. Explain the purpose of Online PHT (pressure holding test)
4. Review troubleshooting for TMP LOW alarm
a. Venous Transducer Protector dry, monitor line clear
and unclamped?
b. Replace Venous Transducer Protector if necessary.
c. Check dialysate lines for kinks.
d. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press RESET again
and hold for 1 second to select new alarm limits
e. Check the dialysate line filter screen to make sure it is
clean. (on dialysate line behind machine)
f. Clean dialysate line filter if necessary.
g. Increasing the UF RATE by increasing the UF GOAL
can lower the TMP. Replace with NS as prescribed.
h. If unable to reset alarm call qualified technician.

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Troubleshooting TMP Alarm (HIGH)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain purpose of monitoring TMP (HIGH)


2. Explain how ultrafiltration rate, KUF of dialyzer, blood flow,
and dialysate flow can impact TMP
3. Review troubleshooting for TMP HIGH alarm
a. Venous Transducer Protector dry and monitor line
clear and unclamped?
b. Replace Venous Transducer Protector if necessary.
c. Check dialysate lines for kinks.
d. Check the dialysate line filter screen to make sure it is
clean. (on dialysate line behind machine)
e. Press RESET to reset alarm. Press RESET again
and hold 1 second to select new alarm limits.
f. If using a low dialyzer KUF coefficient, the UF GOAL
may need to be lowered.
g. Reducing BFR can also be effective
h. If unable to reset alarms call qualified technician.
Troubleshooting 10 Fill in one Hour Alarm
1. Explain purpose of Filling Programs to ensure accurate
balancing
2. Review troubleshooting for 10 Fill in 1 Hour alarm
a. Check dialysate lines especially around connectors
and dialysate filter, for air entering machine and
correct problem.
b. Press RESET to clear.
c. If unable to reset:
i. Disconnect the dialysate lines
ii. Cap dialysate ports of dialyzer
iii. Return blood to patient
iv. Call qualified technician.

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Troubleshooting Blood Leak Alarm

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain purpose of Blood Leak alarm


3. Review troubleshooting for Blood Leak alarm
a. Press RESET to reset.
b. If unable to reset, press OVERRIDE to continue.
c. Check dialysate for presence of blood with Hemastix.
d. If negative, recheck with Hemastix from new
container. If negative after 3 checks, follow steps
below:
i. Press OVERRIDE to run blood pump while
trouble-shooting alarm.
ii. Check the dialysate lines air leaks especially
at the connectors and the filter
iii. Press RESET to reset alarm.
iv. If unable to reset the alarm, return patients
blood per units Blood Leak procedure.
v. Call qualified technician.
e. If Hemastix is positive for Blood Leak, proceed per
facilitys dialyzer blood leak policy. If facility policy is
to return patients blood, follow steps below:
i. Press RESET to reset all other blood flow
alarms.
ii. Press OVERRIDE to enable blood pump to
return patients blood per unit protocol.

124

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

Troubleshooting Conductivity Alarm (LOW)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Explain dialysate bypass function


2. Explain importance of sufficient concentrate for complete
treatments
3. Review troubleshooting for Conductivity LOW alarm
a. Dialysate Flow ON?
b. Correct concentrate selected in the Dialysate
Composition and Conductivity Limits screen
c. Concentrate lines connected to correct concentrate
d. Check for correct baseline Na+ and Bicarbonate
values displayed in Dialysate Composition and
Conductivity Limits screen
e. The supply of concentrate is adequate
f. Concentrate has been mixed properly
g. Check that concentrate connectors are pulling
concentrate and tightly connected. If not, check for
clogged filter screens in the connector handles,
especially the bicarbonate connector
h. If unable to correct conductivity alarm, discontinue
treatment and remove patient from the machine.
i. Perform an acid cleaning followed by a complete rinse
cycle. Test machine operation. If conductivity alarm
persists, take the machine out of service and call a
qualified technician

125

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

Troubleshooting Conductivity Alarm (HIGH)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Review troubleshooting for Conductivity HIGH alarm


a. Check for prescribed baseline Sodium and Bicarb.
b. Check that concentrates are properly mixed and in
proper containers. Remix concentrates as needed.
c. Allow 5 minutes for conductivity to reach prescribed
level and adjust conductivity alarm limits if needed.
d. Replace the concentrates if appears fluid is being
pulled into machine but the conductivity remains high.
e. After problem corrected, verify conductivity and pH
with an independent device.
f. If unable to attain prescribed conductivity, discontinue
treatment and call qualified technician.
Troubleshooting Temperature Alarm (HIGH)
1. Explain importance of stable incoming water temperature
2. Review troubleshooting for Temperature HIGH alarm
a. Assure water is flowing to machine when turned ON.
b. If Heat Disinfection just previously done, place
machine in rinse cycle to decrease temperature.
c. Check the Temperature setting and readjust if needed
by touching Temperature and adjust with S and T
arrows or numeric keypad.
d. Check water supply temperature for excess
temperature and correct if needed.
e. If unable to attain proper dialysate temperature,
discontinue treatment and call qualified technician.
f. DO NOT USE HEAT DISINFECTION CYCLE UNTIL
REPAIRED.

126

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

Troubleshooting Temperature Alarm (LOW)

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Review troubleshooting for Temperature LOW alarm


a. Observe machine is in Dialysis mode with dialysate
flow ON.
b. Check water supply to machine for excessively cold
temperature and correct.
c. Check the Temperature Setting and adjust using the
S and T arrows or numeric keypad if needed.
d. Check the heater switch on the back panel that it is in
the ON position.
e. If unable to attain prescribed temperature, discontinue
treatment.
f. Call qualified technician.
Troubleshooting Dialysate Flow Alarm
1. Review troubleshooting for Dialysate Flow alarm
a. Check water supply into machine that it is on.
b. Check water inlet line for kinks.
c. Check that in-line water filter is clean. If clogged
change filter.
d. If unable to attain proper dialysate flow, discontinue
treatment and call qualified technician.

127

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

Troubleshooting Heparin Pump Alarm

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

Training

Competence
Check

Comments

1. Review troubleshooting for Heparin Pump Flow alarm


a. Check heparin line for clamps or kinks and correct.
b. Check heparin syringe for adequate amount of
heparin and correct if needed.
c. Ensure the correct type of syringe is loaded and
locked in place.
d. To clear alarm, press RESET and restart heparin
pump.
e. If alarm will not reset or continues to alarm
intermittently, alert a qualified technician.
Troubleshooting Online PHT Failed Alarm
2. Review troubleshooting for Online PHT Failed alarm
a. Press RESET to clear the alarm.
b. Check the machine for liquid leaks.
c. Wait 12 minutes until the next test; if the alarm fails
again, take your machine out of service and alert a
qualified technician

128

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

NOTES: ________________________________________________________________
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129

P/N 490167 Rev A

2008K@home hemodialysis system Train-the-Trainer Manual

2008K
Bringing Home Therapy Excellence
Fresenius Medical Care

2008K
Bringing Home Therapy Excellence
Fresenius Medical Care

Fresenius Medical Care North America 2637 Shadelands Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94598 1.800.227.2572
The FMCNA 2008K@home machine is indicated for acute or chronic dialysis treatment in a facility or in the home.
In the home, a trained and qualified person as prescribed by a physician must observe the treatment. See the full labeling for
complete descriptions of instructions for use, warnings, hazards, contraindications, side effects, and precautions.
Fresenius Medical Care, the triangle logo, 2008, @ home logo and Diasafe are trademarks of Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. or its affiliated companies.
2011 Fresenius Medical Care North America. All rights reserved.

P/N 490167 Rev A 05/2011

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