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Abstract

A method for detecting the presence of blood in a dialysate solution is disclosed. The method provides for certain measurement of light intensity passing through solutions both before and during the dialysis session. Before dialysis is commenced, measurements are made of the intensity of light passing through a chamber containing a control dialysate solution that is free of blood. The light source is a first condition. The light source's state is changed from a first condition to a second condition different from the first condition. Next, a second measurement of the intensity of light is made. The first and second measurements are stored. During dialysis, the method continues with the following steps: conducting a third measurement of the intensity of light of the light source that passes though the chamber, the chamber containing dialysate solution that may contain the patient's blood, with the light source in the first condition. Next, the state of the light source is changed from the first condition to the second condition. A fourth measurement of the intensity of light passing through the solution is made. A suitable processor calculates an attenuation coefficient indicative of the presence of blood in the dialysate solution during dialysis from the first, second, third and fourth measurements.

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