How are Hep B patients dialyzed?

• A. In an isolation room with their own dedicated equipment such as BP cuff and stethoscope, tourniquet, etc
• B. In an isolation room with shared equipment and standard precautions
• C. In the general dialysis unit without isolation
• D. In a separate facility

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis B is a bloodborne infection, so preventing transmission in the dialysis setting relies on strict infection-control practices. When a patient with HBV is dialyzed, they are placed in an isolation area and have equipment that is dedicated only to them. Using their own items—such as a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, tourniquet, and other frequently touched tools—helps ensure that any equipment that may have come into contact with blood isn’t shared with other patients. This minimizes the chance of transferring the virus via contaminated surfaces or devices. While universal precautions and thorough cleaning are essential for all patients, dedicating equipment to the HBV-positive patient in isolation is the most effective way to prevent cross-contamination in the dialysis unit. Using shared equipment or treating in a general unit without isolation increases transmission risk, and moving to a separate facility isn’t typically necessary for this purpose.