Open AccessAccidental Use of Sodium Hypochlorite Instead of Haemodialysis Solution: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Katirci Y,
Kandis H,
Aslan S,
Keles M,
Cakir Z,
Karcioglu O
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490791001700511
Subject(s) - medicine , sodium hypochlorite , bleach , glutaraldehyde , dialysis , hypochlorite , artificial kidney , tap water , surgery , chemistry , biomedical engineering , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , pathology , environmental engineering , engineering
Haemodialysis that involves diffusion of solutes across a semi‐permeable membrane allows excretion of harmful solutes and excess fluids. All dialysis machines are disinfected by chemical agents (e.g. sodium hypochlorite, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, peroxyacetic acid). Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), which is known as household bleach, is a whitening agent and used in medical treatment and disinfection of tap water. Herein, we present a 66‐year‐old female patient who was inadvertently connected to NaOCl solution infusion in a routine haemodialysis session. By the time the accident was noticed, approximately 200 ml of undiluted NaOCl cleaning solution (concentration 1.21‐1.23 g/ml) had been added to the dialysis bath, soaking the membrane fibres. The patient was admitted to the hospital about 30 minutes after the exposure, and her Glasgow Coma Scale score was recorded as 5/15 (E1, V1, M3). In conclusion, more stringent standards should be enforced in the sterilization of haemodialysis machines and related equipments. Accidental contacts with disinfectants should be prevented in dialysis units.