Microbiological Surveillance and State of the Art Technological Strategies for the Prevention of Dialysis Water Pollution

Piergiorgio Bolasco, Antonio Contu, Patrizia Meloni, Dorio Vacca and Andrea Galfrè
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Piergiorgio Bolasco: Territorial Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ASL, Quartu Sant’Elena, Cagliari 09045, Italy
Antonio Contu: University Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09121, Italy
Patrizia Meloni: University Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09121, Italy
Dorio Vacca: University Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09121, Italy
Andrea Galfrè: Territorial Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ASL, Quartu Sant’Elena, Cagliari 09045, Italy

IJERPH, 2012, vol. 9, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: Methods: The present report attempts to illustrate the positive impact on the microbiological quality of dialysis patients over a 15-year period through the progressive implementation of state-of-the-art technological strategies and the optimization of microbiological surveillance procedures in five dialysis units in Sardinia. Results: Following on better microbiological, quality controls of dialysis water and improvement of procedures and equipment, a drastic improvement of microbiological water quality was observed in a total of 945 samples. The main aim was to introduce the use of microbiological culture methods as recommended by the most important guidelines. The microbiological results obtained have led to a progressive refining of controls and introduction of new materials and equipment, including two-stage osmosis and piping distribution rings featuring a greater capacity to prevent biofilm adhesion. The actions undertaken have resulted in unexpected quality improvements. Conclusions: Dialysis water should be viewed by the nephrologist as a medicinal product exerting a demonstrable positive impact on microinflammation in dialysis patients. A synergic effort between nephrologists and microbiologists undoubtedly constitutes the most effective means of preventing dialysis infections.

Keywords: microbiological methods; quality dialysis water (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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