Ultrafiltration, Convection and Diffusion


1. Ultrafiltration 

Definition: Ultrafiltration is the process of removing excess water from the blood by applying a pressure gradient across a semipermeable membrane. 

Mechanism: Water moves from the blood into the dialysis fluid (or filtrate) due to hydrostatic pressure

Clinical relevance: It’s used to control fluid overload in patients with kidney failure. 
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2. Convection 

Definition: Convection is the transport of solutes along with water (solvent) during ultrafiltration. 

Mechanism: As water is “pushed” across the membrane, solutes dissolved in that water are dragged along. This is sometimes called solvent drag

Key point: Larger molecules can be removed more effectively by convection than by diffusion. 
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3. Diffusion 

Definition: Diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration across a semipermeable membrane. 

Mechanism: Solutes move down their concentration gradient until equilibrium is reached. 

Clinical relevance: Efficient for removing small molecules like urea, creatinine, and electrolytes. 
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