Bacterial contamination of the blood compartment originating from the dialysate in haemodialysers

Micro-organisms originating from the dialysate compartment invaded the blood compartment of ‘Rhodial RP 6’ haemodialysers in 16 out of 639 dialyses investigated (2·5 per cent). Analysis of the data suggested that the probable access of bacteria to the blood compartment was by way of minor defects in the dialysis membrane. The patients experienced no obvious symptoms or signs of sepsis which could be ascribed to the presence of micro-organisms in the blood compartment.