Baxter invests $650 million annually in R&D and home dialysis is one of our largest product segments. Dialysis works by filtering a water-based solution called dialysate through a patient’s bloodstream to remove excess waste, a process that simulates the functioning of a healthy kidney. Today, rather than travel to dialysis centers, many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receive their treatment on home dialysis machines (see product diagram).  

For household water to be safely used for dialysis, it must be completely free of chloramine, which is frequently added to municipal water sources for disinfection. If chloramine is not removed and enters a patient’s bloodstream, it causes hemolysis and anemia. Removal of chloramine is also important to protect components inside the machine’s downstream water purification device (e.g. ion exchange resins, reverse osmosis membranes). Traditionally, activated carbon is used to remove chloramine from water. However, activated carbon is less suitable for home dialysis machines because it:  

• Requires frequent changing when the capacity wears out 

• Increases the size of the device 

• Allows bacteria to grow within the system, which can pose health risks and reduce flow rates over time 

• Requires patients to test the water daily to ensure it is free of chloramine