Hemodialysis
There are three main ways that patients on hemodialysis can contract hepatitis C: through contaminated needles, contaminated dialysate, or contact with infected blood on dialysis equipment or surfaces.
Needles are one of the most common ways that hepatitis C is transmitted during hemodialysis. When reused without being sterilized properly, needles can easily transmit infection from one patient to another. One study found that nearly 10% of all new cases of hepatitis C among patients on dialysis were caused by contaminated needles.
Dialysate can also become contaminated with hepatitis C if it meets infected blood or bodily fluids. Once contamination occurs, dialysate can easily infect other patients if it’s not properly sterilized between uses.
Another way patients can contract hepatitis C is by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment. Blood can contaminate surfaces like arm rests, bed rails, and floors, and if these surfaces are not properly cleaned between patients, there is a risk of exposure to the virus. The same goes for equipment like dialysis machines, which also need to be properly cleaned and sterilized between hemodialysis sessions.
