Friday, 22 April 2011 10:45

Needle Size vs Pump Speed

Written by  Steve Bone
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A new development on the unit in the last week. After dialysing for eleventy-ten years and self caring throughout that time, using 15g needles and high pump speeds, a ‘specialist’ nurse has now dictated that I should be using 14g needles with a pump speed in excess of 400ml/min. I currently run with  a pump  speed of around 470ml/min which tends to net out at a flow of 415ml/min. Interesting to read all the studies on this issue, that conclude that the needle size at 15g has now detrimental effect at high pump speeds. The only issue that manifests itself is a higher venous and lower arterial pressure, and this is primarily down to circuit pressure. I see no need therefore to change my needle size to 14g especially moving on to daily dialysis. My fistula, touch wood, has lasted for over 20 years, so I am adding to the risk of loss with daily dialysis without compounding the issue. Anybody else had a similar issue to address?

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... http://mydialysis.co.uk/blog/2011/04/22/needle-size-vs-pump-speed/

Steve Bone

Steve Bone

Hi, I'm Steve and have been a dialysis patient on some form of self-care or other since 1990. I've dialysed at home, abroad, in hospital, oh and had a transplant for 7 years. I work in the insurance industry for a City based business, but am very fortunate to be able to work from home 4 days a week. I hope, with my experiences, I can help others on dialysis or those facing dialysis in the future! It ain't so bad! Steve

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