2107 - What You Need to Know About Hemodialysis Water

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: W209; Orange County Convention Center

CE: 1

CNE Credits: 1
IPU Credits: 1
AEU Credits: 1
IPCH Credits: 1
CME Credits: 1

Presenter(s)

BR

Brian Rha, MD, MSPH

Medical Epidemiologist
CDC

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Presenter(s)

Shannon Novosad, MD, MPH

Medical Officer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, Georgia

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Moderator(s)

Stephanie Carraway, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP CER, FAPIC

Director, Infection Prevention
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, Florida

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Moderator(s)

Crystal Heishman, MBA, MSN, RN, ONC, CIC, FAPIC

Director, Infection Prevention & Control; System Vascular Access
UofL Health - Jewish and Heart Hospitals
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Description: Outpatient and inpatient hemodialysis units contain multiple water hazards. Water rooms are filled with confusing tanks, water lines, and sampling faucets. The treatment areas have complicated machines, complex plumbing, and many possible contamination areas for water organisms. During this session, the presenters will describe the water treatment components within dialysis units and how water is distributed to patients. Water sampling schedules will be described, along with recommended laboratory thresholds and infection prevention monitoring. Risks to patients from unsafe water and high-risk areas for environmental contamination with water pathogens identified through outbreak investigations will be described.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the components of hemodialysis water treatment rooms and how water is distributed to patients.
Interpret water sampling laboratory results.
Identify high-risk areas for water contamination and practices to reduce transmission.