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The kidneys are very important anatomical structures that serve to filter unneeded water and waste from the bloodstream on a constant basis throughout the day. Each kidney is approximately the size of a fist and rests in the lower rear quadrant of the abdominal cavity in front of the lower set of ribs. While it is true that survival is possible with only one functioning kidney, extensive damage to both kidneys often leads to death for individuals who do not receive either a transplant or dialysis therapy. Because transplants can be difficult to arrange, dialysis is usually the first treatment option that patients pursue. Individuals who plan to work as a dialysis technician should have a basic understanding of how this process works. A firm grasp of renal anatomy and physiology as well as the dialysis process better prepares medical professionals to answer any questions or concerns that patients or the public might have. Dialysis is a fairly straightforward medical procedure that uses a machine to replace the filtration that would normally be performed by the kidneys. While a dialysis machine cannot fully compensate for the loss in function, it does do a decent job of improving the quality of life for patients and extending their overall lifespan. The most common type of dialysis is administered in a clinical setting where the patient can be monitored by nurses, technicians, and physicians. In order to perform the procedure, a surgeon must connect an artery and a vein just under the surface of the skin that can be used as an access point for the tube that is used to transport blood between the body and the machine. Once this access point has had time to strengthen, the patient can begin receiving treatments three to five times each week. If an access point becomes compromised then a new one can be created somewhere else on the body. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of anatomical locations that can be used as access points. When the patient arrives at the clinic, a dialysis technician or nurse will usually prepare the patient for treatment by using a needle to access the bloodstream at the access point. After the transport tubes have been attached to the access point, the blood can then be sent to the dialysis machine for filtering. Within the machine there is a membrane that has been engineered to recreate a filtration mechanism that is similar to that found in a healthy kidney. As blood passes by the membrane, excess water and waste moves out of the bloodstream, crosses the membrane, and enters a special fluid that is on the opposite side. This fluid is then collected and disposed of and the blood is returned to the body. While the machine does a decent job of filtering particles from the blood, it cannot fully compensate for the loss in kidney function and the effectiveness of the treatment is partly dependent on the patient’s compliance with a strict renal diet that has been developed by a dietitian. While diets can be tailored to individual tastes, there are strict limitations on the types and quantity of food and beverages that can be consumed. The process of scheduling and attending multiple dialysis treatments each week is extremely difficult for patients and can have a depressingly negative impact on the daily routine that they have become accustomed to. Patients who meet eligibility requirements may be allowed to self-administer treatment at home using a dialyzer machine or through a slightly different treatment process known as peritoneal dialysis. This form of treatment uses the blood vessels in the abdomen to filter water and waste. In order to perform peritoneal dialysis, a patient must have a tube inserted into their abdomen through which fluid can be passed. The fluid that is used to perform this procedure is similar to the fluid that is used in the dialyzer machine. One of the most important concerns with peritoneal dialysis is the potential for infection at the site where the tube has been implanted. If this occurs, the patient may suffer severe health consequences and may need to return to a clinic to receive ongoing treatments. Regardless of the type of dialysis that a patient receives, kidney failure is a difficult condition to manage and often requires the emotional support of the medical staff. A dialysis technician who understands how dialysis works is in an excellent position to help answer questions that patients might have. While technicians do not need to have an advanced understanding of renal anatomy and physiology or the dialysis process, they should at least make an effort to understand the basics and remain up-to-date on current standards of practice. Aspiring technicians who would like to learn more about how to become a dialysis technician should consider checking out http://www.dialysistechniciansalary.org/ where they will find details about regulations in all 50 states as well as information on industry relevant topics and links to local employers.
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