Anti coagulation.....

Haemodialysis requires blood to circulate outside the body (known as extra corporeal ) in order for the blood to be "processed". The natural clotting mechanism of the blood will start to kick in once the blood leaves the body. If this problem is not taken care of, the precious extra corporeal blood will clot in the bloodlines and dialyser.

To ensure a smooth flow of the extra corporeal blood during haemodialysis treatment, some form of anti-coagulantion agent must be introduced into the circulatory system. There are a number of anti coagulation agent which can be used but "heparin" is the most commonly employed. "Heparin" is usually obtained from 2 sources, bovine and porcine. Due to religious sensitivity in Malaysia, the "heparin" obtained from bovine source is preferred.

Courtesy by Ain Medicare Sdn. Bhd.

The dosage of anti coagulation needed will depend generally on the size and weight of the patient and the need to maintain an activated clotting time of 200 - 250 seconds (normal being 90 - 140 seconds). There are various ways of administering "heparin", the treatment provider know what is best for his/her patient after a couple of treatments.

"Heparin" in the right dosage is tool but too much or too little creates problems.....