Certified Hemodialysis Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Hemodialysis Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Dialyzers cannot be reused if the patient tests positive for Hepatitis A surface antigen. This is due to the potential risk of transmitting the virus to other patients if the dialyzer is not adequately sterilized. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) have established strict guidelines regarding infection control in dialysis facilities, emphasizing the importance of preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

Patients with Hepatitis A pose a biohazard risk, and reusing dialyzers for these patients could lead to cross-contamination. The protocols are designed to protect both the individual patient and others receiving treatment in the facility, thereby ensuring a safe environment for all. The criteria for reuse are stringent, and as such, positive test results for Hepatitis A surface antigen necessitate that the dialyzer be discarded, eliminating any possibility of reuse under those circumstances.