composition of dialysate fluid

Last reviewed 01/2018

The composition of dialysis fluid used varies according to clinical need. A standard solution aims to allow a net outflow of potassium from the blood, at a rate below that to create hypokalaemia, and a net inflow of calcium. The difficulties of producing bicarbonate containing dialysate fluid have largely been overcome so that it is no longer necessary to use acetate instead.

A typical composition would be:

mmol / l

• sodium 140.0
• potassium 1.0
• calcium 1.25
• bicarbonate 34.0
• magnesium 0.5
• chloride 107.5
• glucose 5.5