As the appearance of pre-carcinogen dimethyl nitrosamine (DMNA) in the dialysate water purification process has been suggested recently, we examined DMNA in dialysate water of four dialysis units. Water samples, which were collected after the water softener or deionizer and activated carbon filter (ACF) were analyzed for DMNA with gas chromatography technique.
In all samples, DMNA could not be detected. However, the possibility that DMNA is derived from the interaction between anion exchange resin in deionizer and tap water will still remain.
Therefore, it may be necessary to use at least the ACF in dialysate water purification system to eliminate the possible contamination of DMNA.
