Which guideline about dialysate pH is correct?

• A. It should be below 6.5
• B. It should be between 6.9 and 7.6
• C. It should be above 8.0
• D. It should be exactly 7.0

Answer: (B)

Dialysate pH is kept near physiologic levels to maintain stable blood pH and protect blood components during treatment. The bicarbonate-buffered dialysate is formulated to have a pH around neutral, with an acceptable clinical range roughly 6.9 to 7.6. Staying within this window avoids solutions that are too acidic, which can damage blood cells and irritate the vascular access, and avoids solutions that are too alkaline, which can cause alkalosis and electrolyte disturbances. The exact value isn’t fixed at 7.0; what matters is staying within the standard, safe range, making the guideline of 6.9 to 7.6 the best choice.