During dialyzer reprocessing, the blood compartment is tested to assess which of the following aspects?

• A. Dialyzer priming volume
• B. Hematocrit
• C. Total cell volume
• D. Platelet count

Answer: (C)

The blood compartment is tested to assess total cell volume because this measures the actual amount of cellular material present in the blood path after reprocessing. Knowing the total cell volume helps ensure the dialyzer’s blood side contains the appropriate amount of blood cells (roughly hematocrit times the circuit volume) and that the membrane integrity remains intact, so the patient’s blood can flow safely and effectively during treatment. Priming volume relates to fluid in the circuit, not cell content; hematocrit is only the percentage of cells, not the absolute amount of cells in the circuit; platelets are not the focus of this check.