What is the primary function of the dialyzer?

The primary function of the dialyzer is to filter solutes from the blood. In hemodialysis, the dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney, where it removes waste products and excess substances from the blood while allowing essential components like electrolytes to remain. The blood flows through the dialyzer and is exposed to a dialysate solution, which helps in the diffusion of harmful solutes such as urea and creatinine out of the blood, effectively cleaning it. This process is crucial for patients with kidney failure, as their kidneys cannot perform this essential function naturally.

While assisting in fluid removal and other functions like managing blood pressure are important in the overall dialysis process, the core and specific role of the dialyzer focuses on solute filtration, which directly addresses the primary need of patients undergoing hemodialysis.