dialyser

A patient receives treatment using a dialyser.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Medical device: A "dialyser" is an apparatus used for dialysis, a process that removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. It functions as an artificial kidney.
   • Laboratory instrument: In chemistry or biochemistry, a "dialyser" can refer to a device used for dialysis, a separation technique that uses a semipermeable membrane to separate small molecules from larger ones in a solution.

Usage Examples

• Medical context:

  • The patient was connected to a dialyser for four hours to filter his blood. (The machine performed the function of cleaning the blood.)
  • Modern dialysers are designed to be more efficient and comfortable for patients. (The devices have improved in performance and patient comfort.)

• Laboratory context:

  • The scientist used a dialyser to purify the protein solution by removing salts. (The instrument separated small molecules from the protein.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on a dialyser": a colloquial medical phrase meaning to be undergoing dialysis treatment.

  • He has been on a dialyser three times a week since his kidney failure. (He receives regular dialysis sessions using the device.)

• "dialyser membrane": the semipermeable component of the device that allows selective passage of substances.

  • The dialyser membrane is made of synthetic materials to improve biocompatibility. (The filter inside the device is engineered for patient safety.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dialyzer (n): an alternative spelling of "dialyser", common in American English.

  • The dialyzer was replaced with a newer model. (The device was swapped for an updated version.)

• Dialysis (n): the medical or chemical process that a dialyser performs.

  • Dialysis is essential for patients with end-stage renal disease. (The procedure is life-saving for kidney patients.)

• Dialyse (v): to subject a substance to dialysis.

  • The lab technician will dialyse the sample overnight. (The solution will be purified using a dialyser.)

Synonyms

• Artificial kidney: a synonym for "dialyser" in medical contexts, emphasizing its role as a substitute for natural kidney function.

  • The artificial kidney, or dialyser, is a critical tool in nephrology. (The device mimics kidney function.)

• Hemodialyzer: a specific type of dialyser used in hemodialysis, where blood is filtered outside the body.

  • The hemodialyzer is the core component of a dialysis machine. (The device handles blood filtration.)

Related Idioms

• "To be on dialysis": a fixed phrase referring to undergoing regular treatment with a dialyser.
  • She has been on dialysis for two years, relying on a dialyser each session. (She receives recurring treatment using the device.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Dialyse out: to remove a substance from a solution using a dialyser.
  • The excess urea was dialysed out of the blood. (The waste was filtered out by the device.)