During hemodialysis reprocessing, which chemical is commonly used for disinfection?

Paracetic acid is widely used in hemodialysis reprocessing as a disinfection agent due to its effectiveness against a vast range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is particularly valued in healthcare settings, especially in the context of dialysis, for its rapid action and ability to degrade into non-toxic by-products, making it suitable for use in equipment that directly interfaces with patients.

When used for disinfection, paracetic acid demonstrates powerful efficacy, particularly when the equipment needs to be sterilized quickly between uses. Additionally, it can achieve sterilization, unlike other disinfectants that might only sanitize or clean.

Other chemicals, while effective in certain contexts, do not provide the same levels of efficacy or safety for equipment used in hemodialysis. For instance, chlorine, while effective as a disinfectant, can be harmful to the dialysis equipment and produce toxic by-products. Ethylene oxide is mainly used for sterilization rather than disinfection and requires specific handling procedures due to its toxicity and potential health risks. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used for disinfection, but its stability and effectiveness compared to paracetic acid can vary, making paracetic acid the preferred choice in the context of hemodialysis reprocessing.