What is the acceptable maximum total microbial count of dialysate?

The acceptable maximum total microbial count of dialysate is 200 cfu/ml (colony-forming units per milliliter). This standard ensures that the dialysate, which is a critical component in the hemodialysis process, remains safe and free from harmful bacterial contamination. Maintaining microbial levels at or below this threshold is essential to prevent infections, as the dialysate is directly introduced into patients' blood during treatment. Exceeding this limit could increase the risk of morbidity and complicate the patient's overall health. Regulatory bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the dialysis industry recommend maintaining this standard to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.