Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of acidic electrolyzed oxidizing water (AEOW) for disinfecting the concentrated dialysate containers. Methods A total of 80 containers for bicarbonate concentrated dialysate were collected from one hemodialysis center. The containers were contaminated by the bacteria in tap water, and the efficiency and safety of the four disinfection protocols were then compared. Results The four protocols were all effective for disinfecting the concentrated dialysate containers (P ＜0.05). After the disinfection of protocol A, however, residual chlorine in dialysate was higher than the upper safety limit, and was also higher than that after the disinfection of protocols B, C and D (3.31± 1.69 mg, 0.03±0.02 mg, 0.03±0.08 mg, and 0.07 ± 0.13 mg using protocol A, B, C and D, respectively; P ＜ 0.05). Residual endotoxin was higher using protocols A and B than using protocols C and D (P ＜0.05), but was indifferent between protocols C and D. After the disinfection of protocols C and D, residual chlorine was 0.03±0.08 mg and 0.07±0.13 mg, respectively, and residual endotoxin was 29.54±28.60 EU and 21.87±17.37 EU, respectively, significantly lower than those by protocols A and B, and indifferent between protocols C and D (P >0.05). Conclusions AEOW was effective and safe for disinfecting the concentrated dialysate containers. The optimal disinfection procedure included treatment with AEOW for 5 minutes followed by rinse and lid covering.

Key words: Acidic Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water(AEOW), Disinfect, Hemodialysis(HD), Fluid Concentrate Container