SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satellite Healthcare, a leading national not-for-profit provider of dialysis services, has announced that as of September 1, 2015, 100% of its hemodialysis patients dialyze using a single-use blood-filtering dialyzer. Satellite Healthcare decided to cease giving patients the option of re-using their dialyzers, a common practice among dialysis providers, after examining new data indicating an increased potential risk associated with the practice of re-use.
“Patient safety is Satellite Healthcare’s top priority. Our decision to institute a more costly single-use dialyzer policy was made after a thorough review of the current literature and extensive consultation with dozens of our industry leading nephrologists,” said Dave Carter, Chief Operating Officer of Satellite Healthcare. “We believe that completely eliminating the reuse of dialyzers across all Satellite Healthcare facilities nationwide will enable us to provide our patients with the highest quality of care available.”
The historic advantages of dialyzer re-use have included decreased generation of biomedical waste and cost savings, in addition to the prevention of “first-use syndrome” associated with the use of a new dialyzer. However, recent advancements in technology and sterilization techniques have significantly bolstered the benefits afforded by single-use dialyzers.
“By employing only single-use dialyzers, we’re able to eliminate the risk of cross-utilization or exposure to chemical or bacterial contamination,” said Brigitte Schiller, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Satellite Healthcare. “In addition, clearance of uremic toxins is reliably provided with each single treatment.”
About Satellite Healthcare:
Satellite Healthcare, Inc., a not-for-profit, has been among the nation's top 10 providers of kidney dialysis and related services since 1974. Through its affiliated services, Satellite WellBound, Satellite Dialysis, and Satellite Research, Satellite Healthcare provides unparalleled early patient wellness education, personalized clinical services, and a complete range of dialysis therapy choices. In addition, Satellite Healthcare has a well-recognized, enduring commitment to philanthropy and community service, from funding millions of dollars in research grants to sponsoring kidney events nationwide. Satellite is committed to advancing the standard of chronic kidney disease care so patients can enjoy a better life.
