What are bicarb and salt used for in hemodialysis?

Bicarb (bicarbonate) and salt (sodium chloride) are essential components of the dialysate solutions used during hemodialysis. Dialysate is a special fluid that helps to remove waste products and excess substances from the blood when a patient undergoes dialysis. Bicarbonate plays a critical role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the patient’s blood, as it helps to neutralize acidity. Sodium chloride, on the other hand, helps to create an isotonic environment for the patient’s blood during the filtration process, ensuring that the osmotic balance is maintained and facilitating the removal of uremic toxins effectively.

The correct answer highlights the significance of bicarb and salt as they contribute directly to the formulation of dialysate, which is fundamental to the functioning of the hemodialysis process. Without these components, the dialysate would not be effective in cleansing the blood, thereby compromising the vital function of the dialysis treatment.