Dialysis is a treatment that replaces some of the function of the kidneys when they fail. Kidney dialysis is necessary when there is end stage kidney failure which results in the loss of approximately 85 to 90 percent of kidney function.

There have been reports of high fever and hospitalizations along with serious illness or death associated with the use of the Gambro Da Vita kidney dialysis machines. These reports suggest mechanical problems related to the handling of bacteria by the machine’s water treatment system as well as cleaning protocols.

There have also been reports relating to dialysis products manufactured by Baxter International and Medisystems Corporation. It has been reported that more than 50 deaths have been attributed to a particular combination of dialysis machine and blood tubing. Baxter informed customers to immediately discontinue the use of that combination of dialysis machine and tubing. The tubing referred to is the A, AF, and AX series blood filters. The FDA has launched an investigation.