Which one of the following is correct with reference to haemodialysis?...
Haemodialysis is done in the patients whose kidneys become completely non-functional. Haemodialysis is the process of diffusion across a semipermeable membrane to remove unwanted substances from the blood while adding derivable components. The dialysis unit consists of a coiled cellophane tube kept in the dialysing fluid. The membrane of the tube is impermeable to blood cells and proteins but permeable to urea, uric acid, creatinine and mineral ions.
Which one of the following is correct with reference to haemodialysis?...
Haemodialysis
Haemodialysis is a medical procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are no longer functioning properly. It involves the use of a dialysis machine to filter the blood and restore its normal composition. Among the given options, option 'B' is correct, which states that the dialysis unit is a coiled cellophane tube. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Dialysis Unit
- The dialysis unit used in haemodialysis is called a dialyzer or an artificial kidney.
- It consists of two compartments separated by a semi-permeable membrane.
- The semi-permeable membrane allows the selective passage of certain substances while preventing others from passing through.
Cellophane Tube
- In the early days of haemodialysis, cellophane was used as the semi-permeable membrane in the dialysis unit.
- The dialyzer was a coiled cellophane tube that allowed the blood to flow through it.
- The cellophane membrane allowed the diffusion of small molecules, such as waste products and excess ions, from the blood into the dialysate fluid.
Function of the Dialysis Unit
- During haemodialysis, the patient's blood is pumped into the dialysis unit, where it comes into contact with the dialysate fluid.
- The dialysate fluid contains a carefully balanced concentration of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
- The excess ions and waste products, such as urea and creatinine, diffuse through the cellophane membrane into the dialysate fluid.
- This helps to rid the blood of these waste substances and restore its normal electrolyte balance.
Other Options:
- Option 'A' states that haemodialysis absorbs and resends excess ions, which is incorrect. Haemodialysis removes excess ions from the blood.
- Option 'C' states that the blood is pumped back through a suitable artery after haemodialysis, which is incorrect. The blood is returned to the patient's body through a suitable vein.
- Option 'D' states that nitrogenous wastes are removed by active transport, which is incorrect. Nitrogenous wastes are primarily removed by diffusion during haemodialysis.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - The dialysis unit is a coiled cellophane tube.