What is the primary function of acid concentrate in hemodialysis?

The primary function of acid concentrate in hemodialysis is to provide a concentration gradient for diffusion. In the context of dialysis, this gradient is crucial for the effective removal of waste products and excess electrolytes from the patient's blood. The acid concentrate contains certain electrolytes, such as bicarbonate, that, when mixed with dialysate, help create the optimal osmotic and ionic conditions necessary for the diffusion process. This allows for toxins like urea and creatinine, as well as excess potassium and other metabolites, to move from the blood into the dialysate, effectively cleansing the blood during treatment.

While normalizing body pH and preventing electrolyte imbalances are important goals of hemodialysis, these results are secondary to the primary role of facilitating the diffusion process through the concentration gradient established by the acid concentrate. Enhancing blood flow to the kidneys is not a function of acid concentrate; instead, dialysis manages these waste and fluid balances artificially, as the kidneys may not be performing these functions effectively on their own.