When kidneys fail, dialysis is essential to remove waste products such as urea from the blood as the presence of a high level of urea can be detrimental to our health. Dr Alok Jain, Sr. Nephrologist& Rajasthan Head, VitusCare Dialysis Centers said to monitor whether dialysis is removing enough urea, the dialysis clinic should periodically—normally once a month—test a patient’s blood to measure dialysis adequacy.
Another crucial measure involves Kt/V, which indicates the amount of blood cleared of urea, besides blood chemistry evaluation and blood count evaluation. The amount of extra fluid weight that is removed during the treatments, how well the blood pressure is controlled during treatments and at home, and your bloodwork (labs) all show if
the dialysis is working for the patient. With the monthly lab tests,the dialysis care team monitorsthe treatment to ensure you’re getting the right amount of dialysis.
“The purpose behind regular lab tests is that they check different things. Blood tests tell you and your healthcare team how you are doing. Normally, your blood will be tested at the beginning of every month or more often if needed. The information then helps doctors or nephrologists keep track of the patient’s health. Knowing your lab tests can help you understand what is going on in your body. If these labs are at good levels, then that’s a good sign hemodialysis is working. Please ask your healthcare provider for a report card if you would like to keep track of your blood results. Always ask questions to your nephrologist if youhave any doubt,” said Dr Jain.