Properties of Membranes Used for Hemodialysis Therapy

Abstract
Recent trends show a progressive increase in the use of modified cellulosic and synthetic dialyzers and a corresponding decrease in the utilization rate of unmodified cellulosic dialyzers. The purpose of this article is to describe current membrane and dialyzer technology, with the focus almost entirely on modified cellulosic and synthetic membranes. A general overview of membrane‐related determinants of dialyzer performance is first presented, followed by a discussion of specific characteristics of some of the more commonly used membranes and dialyzers.