Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪ͡əla͡ɪzə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "dialyzer" is a subject of confusion for many English speakers. The word is pronounced as dai-a-lai-zer, with the primary stress on the second syllable. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /daɪˈæləzər/. The word "dialyzer" is often misspelled with just one "i" or "z". However, it is essential to get the spelling right in any medical context as a mistake may lead to misinterpretation or misdiagnosis.
A dialyzer, also referred to as an artificial kidney or hemodialyzer, is a medical device used in the process of hemodialysis to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It serves as an essential component of hemodialysis machines, which are used to treat patients with impaired kidney function or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
The dialyzer works by passing the patient's blood through a series of semipermeable membranes, which are composed of thin fibers and selectively allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others. These membranes mimic the natural filtration function of the kidneys, allowing waste products such as urea and creatinine, as well as excess electrolytes and fluids, to diffuse across the membrane and be removed from the blood. Simultaneously, essential substances like red blood cells and proteins are retained within the bloodstream.
Dialyzers are designed with high-performance materials that maximize the efficiency of waste removal and ensure patients' safety. They are typically composed of hollow fibers made of biocompatible materials like cellulose or synthetic polymers. The hollow fibers increase the surface area available for filtration, enhancing the dialyzer's effectiveness.
The precise structure and characteristics of dialyzers can vary depending on the patient's specific needs and treatment requirements. Dialysis professionals carefully select and customize dialyzers based on factors such as the surface area, pore size, and membrane composition to optimize the removal of waste products and fluid from the blood while minimizing potential complications or adverse effects.
A membrane for use in dialysis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "dialyzer" comes from the Greek term "dialutḗrion", which is a derivative of "diálysis". In Greek, "diálysis" means "dissolution" or "separation through a passage". The term "dialyzer" is used in medical contexts, particularly for a device or apparatus used in dialysis, a process that separates waste products from the blood in individuals with kidney failure.
