Final answer:
Pre-dialysis labs are taken to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels before hemodialysis, usually through a specialized catheter or port in the patient's vein.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pre-dialysis labs are typically drawn to assess a patient's kidney function, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels before undergoing hemodialysis. These labs are crucial for determining the appropriate settings and duration of the dialysis session. The blood samples for pre-dialysis labs are generally obtained through a port or catheter that provides access to the patient's bloodstream. In a hemodialysis setting, a specialized catheter known as an arteriovenous fistula or graft, or a central venous catheter may be used for this purpose. It is essential that blood for pre-dialysis labs is drawn before dialysis starts to ensure accurate readings of the urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and other substances that dialysis aims to remove or balance.
Hemodialysis is a life-saving procedure where a dialysis machine filters waste products such as urea and regulates fluid and electrolyte levels in patients with renal failure. During the procedure, the patient’s blood passes through a tube with a semipermeable membrane, which allows waste products and excess water to diffuse into the dialysate, leaving larger blood components within the tube. Once 'cleaned,' the blood is infused back into the patient.