A Comparison of Methods for the Measurement of Hemodialysis Access Recirculation An Update

The Crit-Line Model III (CRIT) was compared with the Transonics Hemodialysis Monitor (TRANS) with regard to its ability to measure access recirculation (AR). Patients were studied during routine dialysis before and after dialysis line reversal done to induce AR. A strong correlation between CRIT and TRANS AR measurements was obtained (r=0.95; p=0.000; n=58) and CRIT values were repeatable (normalized SD from mean 7.82%). The CRIT values were not identical to TRANS; at low AR values (< 20%) they overestimated, and at higher values they underestimated. Provided this is appreciated, CRIT AR values are clinically useful.