Why is residual chlorine checked in dialysate?

• A. To ensure no residual chlorine remains after routine disinfection
• B. To ensure no residual chlorine remains after weekly disinfection
• C. To measure microbial contamination
• D. To adjust bicarbonate concentration

Answer: (B)

Residual chlorine in dialysate is checked because any chlorine left in the water used for dialysis can harm the patient. After the water treatment system is disinfected with chlorine, you must verify that all residual chlorine has been removed before dialysate is used, usually following the weekly disinfection cycle. This ensures the dialysate is free of oxidants that could irritate or injure the patient and alter dialysate chemistry. The test is not primarily about measuring microbial contamination or adjusting bicarbonate; those are addressed by other quality checks and processes.