The flexible dialyser membrane-a source of error in plasma creatinine determination
1980

Flexible Dialyser Membrane and Plasma Creatinine Measurement

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Trevor A. Walmsley, Richard T. Fowler, Maxwell H. Abernethy, Michael Lever, David J. Munster

Primary Institution: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

Hypothesis

The conformation of the dialyser membrane affects the accuracy of plasma creatinine measurements.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that the flexible dialyser membrane can significantly alter its conformation during analysis, impacting the measurement of plasma creatinine levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • The dialyser membrane's flexibility can lead to significant changes in its conformation during analysis.
  • Pressure differences across the membrane can cause large decreases in the volume of the recipient stream.
  • Using optimal detergent concentrations can minimize changes in membrane conformation.

Takeaway

The membrane used in blood tests can change shape, which can make the test results less accurate.

Methodology

The study involved measuring pressure differences across the dialyser membrane and observing changes in volume and flow rates during plasma creatinine assays.

Potential Biases

Operator-dependent variability in membrane slackness could introduce bias in results.

Limitations

The study does not specify the exact conditions under which the experiments were conducted, which may affect reproducibility.

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