Dialysis machine

Specialties Urology

Published

Hi Dialysis Nurse. I'm a dialysis nurse for about 3 years now; I work mostly in Acute and PRN in chronic. I have traveled around Africa and have seen the need for dialysis centers. I visited three countries last month in all three countries they had a total of 20 dialysis center with each from 5-7 machines, of which 3 are working on daily basis. I have been searching for donation of dialysis machine but of no luck. Does any one works in a place that is about to change their machine. Does anyone know of the best way to help? I'm looking on relocating to Africa and help with this needed service. I have talked to a couple of nephrologists in 2 countries and they have told me the need for dialysis tx is going up rapidly. Any information will be appreciated

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I commend you for this interest. Best bet might be to contact the big companies: Davita and Fresenius and see what they could offer.

However, I do think that you should consider:

1. Do these pts have the ability to get to dialysis three times per week?

2. Can the meds (epo, vit D, etc), be provided?

3. Can these pts obtain enough protein to do well?

4. Are there nephrologists in the country that can adequately care for these pts?

5. How will the pts pay for these services?

6. Who is going to fix them as they break down?

7. How do they get the tubing, etc., for them?

I guess it wouldn't be as easy as just getting some machines for the country.

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i commend you for this interest. best bet might be to contact the big companies: davita and fresenius and see what they could offer.

however, i do think that you should consider:

1. do these pts have the ability to get to dialysis three times per week?

2. can the meds (epo, vit d, etc), be provided?

3. can these pts obtain enough protein to do well?

4. are there nephrologists in the country that can adequately care for these pts?

5. how will the pts pay for these services?

6. who is going to fix them as they break down?

7. how do they get the tubing, etc., for them?

8. do they have a reliable water source, enough water, and water that can be processed properly.

i guess it wouldn't be as easy as just getting some machines for the country.

just had to add one more :twocents:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Totally agree....how could I forget water?

Thanks

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Thanks Guys for the reply and your thoughts.The main problem i have also been encountering is the water purification and training of the stuff. I think the water purity is a big in this countries.

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Totally agree....how could I forget water?

Thanks

A dialysis nurse forgetting water????????? How could you let that happen JK....:eek::loveya::loveya::loveya:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Now come on give me a break!!

I'm not as young as I used to be!

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Now come on give me a break!!

I'm not as young as I used to be!

ME neither. I just had to laugh. I switched out a machine yesterday and we have Y connections. I didn't notice the small lever was ON on the other Y and turned on the big lever and soaked our CM. Luckily she's as old as me. So I remember water every time.LOL... Water is the bane of HD nurses... I hate checking it, I hate connecting it.............. I hate water.. period......................

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm spoiled - I'm there basically for the pts - so though I understand how dialysis works and stuff, I don't actually DO dialysis..

You rock!

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I'm spoiled - I'm there basically for the pts - so though I understand how dialysis works and stuff, I don't actually DO dialysis..

You rock!

Just be careful where you stand. :eek:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I do - however, have ruined a couple of blouses with the dang bleach!

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I do - however, have ruined a couple of blouses with the dang bleach!

Yeah that stuff is nasty..... LOL. You can always tell a dialysis nurse. They've got bleach stains somewhere. LOL

I gave up on that years ago...........

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