Multiple use of dialysers: an Australian view.

Multiple uses of dialyzers has been studied in a single hospital and by survey of all Australian dialysis units. An annual saving of $84,000 was achieved in a 46-patient unit. No significant patient morbidity or mortality occurred. In Australia 43% of all haemodialysis patients are on a multiple use regime. The 1-year patient cumulative survival for units with a reuse policy is 92.8% and for those with a single use of policy is 87.1%. Anti-N-like antibodies are being found in low but increasing frequency as the reuse program continues.