Experience in using thermal disinfection to remove viable bacteria and endotoxins in centraly distributed reverse osmosis water.

INTRODUCTION: The water used for dilution of hemodialysis concentrates has to meet official quality recommendations regarding microbiology and chemical parameters. To avoid chemical use and to simplify treatments, hot water has been used to control microbial contamination of water distribution systems. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of heat disinfection in maintaining the quality of dialysis water generated by reverse osmosis (RO).

METHODS: During the first part of the study, we consecutively used (1) continuous water circulation, (2) daily heat disinfection and (3) a combination of daily heat disinfection and weekly chemical disinfection while checking bacterial count and endotoxin level every 4-5 weeks. During the second part of the study, we continued using daily heat disinfection while checking bacterial count and endotoxin level on weekly basis.

RESULTS: The endotoxin levels at all sampling points of the water treatment system were lower than 0.005/ ml throughout the study. The application of heat disinfection alone reduced bacterial levels but an escape phenomenon occurred. After an interval of 21 days, an exponential increase of bacterial count was noted and cultures from the RO unit revealed growth of Pseudomonas fluorescence. The addition of chemical disinfection was successful in eliminating micro-organisms. Throughout this study, micro-organisms and endotoxins were not detectable in dialysate fluid and substitution fluid in dialysis monitors.

CONCLUSION: The isolation of a thermo-sensitive organism from the RO unit after a period of relying on thermal disinfection suggests the existence of dead space in the RO unit that is not adequately exposed to heat but is accessible to chemical disinfection. .