How many compartments does a dialyzer have, and what are they separated by?

How many compartments does a dialyzer have, and what are they separated by?

• A. One compartment; They mix
• B. Two compartments: blood & dialysate; separated by semipermeable membrane; They do not mix
• C. Three compartments; They mix
• D. Four compartments; They mix

Answer: (B)

Dialysis relies on two separate fluid spaces separated by a semipermeable membrane. The blood flows on one side and the dialysate on the other, so they do not mix. The membrane lets small waste molecules and excess water pass through while blocking larger blood components like cells and proteins, enabling cleanup of the blood without blending the two fluids. This setup maximizes diffusion across the barrier, using the large surface area inside the dialyzer to remove toxins and regulate electrolytes.

Dialysis relies on two separate fluid spaces separated by a semipermeable membrane. The blood flows on one side and the dialysate on the other, so they do not mix. The membrane lets small waste molecules and excess water pass through while blocking larger blood components like cells and proteins, enabling cleanup of the blood without blending the two fluids. This setup maximizes diffusion across the barrier, using the large surface area inside the dialyzer to remove toxins and regulate electrolytes.