DIALYZABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Dialyzability is a term primarily used in the field of medicine and refers to the ability of a substance to be removed or filtered out of the blood through the process of dialysis. Dialysis is a medical procedure that aims to perform the functions of the kidneys when they are unable to do so adequately.
When a substance is said to have dialyzability, it means that it has the capacity to pass through a dialysis membrane, which acts as a semipermeable barrier. This membrane helps separate the blood from the dialysate, a specialized fluid used during dialysis. The process occurs due to differences in solute concentrations between the blood and the dialysate. The substance with dialyzability is effectively removed from the blood and discarded in the dialysate, allowing for the restoration of the body's chemical balance.
The dialyzability of a substance is influenced by various factors, such as its molecular weight, size, and charge. Smaller molecules or ions tend to have higher dialyzability because they can pass more easily through the pores of the dialysis membrane. Conversely, larger molecules may have lower dialyzability as they are more likely to be retained in the blood. Additionally, the charge of a substance can affect its dialyzability, with charged molecules being less likely to pass through the dialysis membrane.
Determining the dialyzability of a substance is crucial for assessing its suitability for removal through dialysis and for optimizing the efficiency of the treatment process.
Etymology of DIALYZABILITY
The word "dialyzability" is derived from the noun "dialysis", which comes from the Greek words "dia" meaning "through" and "lysis" meaning "loosening" or "dissolution". "Dialysis" refers to the process of removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood in individuals with kidney failure. The suffix "-ability" has been added to "dialysis" to form "dialyzability", which denotes the ability of a substance to be removed through dialysis.
