What is the purpose of using citrate in dialysis?

The use of citrate in dialysis, particularly in anticoagulation during certain dialysis procedures, is primarily to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit. Citrate works by chelating calcium ions in the blood, which are crucial for the coagulation cascade. By binding these calcium ions, citrate effectively reduces the blood's ability to clot while it is outside the body in the dialysis machine. This is especially important in maintaining an uninterrupted blood flow and ensuring the effective functioning of the dialysis system.

In contrast, enhancing the flavor of the dialysis solution, serving as a nutrient for the patient, or diluting the blood before dialysis do not align with the therapeutic objectives of citrate in this context. These alternatives do not address the critical need to manage coagulation during the dialysis treatment process, which is the primary reason citrate is utilized.