What can cause a "false" blood leak alarm during dialysis?

A "false" blood leak alarm during dialysis can indeed be caused by particulate matter and air bubbles in the dialysate. The blood leak detector functions by using light transmission to identify any irregularities that indicate a loss of blood into the dialysate. If the dialysate contains particulate matter or air bubbles, these can scatter the light and mimic the signatures of blood, leading to an alarm even when no actual blood is present. This is significant as it highlights the importance of ensuring a clean and clear dialysate to avoid unnecessary alarms and potential patient distress.

The reduction in light received by the photocell and a change in translucency of the dialysate can also contribute to alarm triggers but do not directly indicate the presence of blood. A true blood leak would be indicated by an actual measurement exceeding 0.35 ml/min, which signifies a genuine issue rather than a false alarm. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately managing and responding to alarms during dialysis procedures.