What does the term "reverse osmosis" refer to in the context of dialysis?

The term "reverse osmosis" refers to a filtration process that is instrumental in producing dialysate, which is essential for the dialysis treatment of patients with kidney failure. In this process, water and solutes are passed through a semi-permeable membrane, where pressure is applied to remove impurities, including contaminants and dissolved substances.

Reverse osmosis is crucial because it ensures that the dialysate used during treatment is free from harmful substances and has the appropriate balance of electrolytes. This quality control in dialysate production is vital to maintaining the patient’s health and effective treatment during dialysis sessions. The nature of reverse osmosis allows for the selective retention and removal of particles based on their size and charge, making it an effective method for generating high-quality dialysate that meets the necessary standards for patient safety during dialysis.