Breakthrough Tasmanian research strives to make dialysis safer

A GROUNDBREAKING research project, supported by the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation and Huon Aquaculture is set to transform care for dialysis patients worldwide.
More than 12 per cent of Tasmanians live with chronic kidney disease, the highest rate in Australia.
As the disease progresses, many require peritoneal dialysis, often done at home and to treat infection, patients are given antibiotics.
But when mixed with dialysis fluids, one of the most commonly used antibiotics can break down into a potentially harmful compound called pyridine.
A team of Tasmanian researchers is developing a world-first finger-prick blood test combined with an advanced analytical technique that can detect pyridine levels, making it safer and easier for patients to monitor their health from home and without the need for regular trips to the hospital.
“This project is about making dialysis treatment safer for patients managing their treatments from the comforts of their own home,” UTAS research lead Dr Rahul Patel said.
“By developing a sensitive test that can be used with a simple finger prick and posted back for testing, we’re removing the barriers of complex sample collection and will significantly improve outcomes for dialysis patients across the state.”
Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation (RHHRF) CEO Stephanie Furler said community support was key to enabling such breakthroughs.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Huon for backing a project that could improve the lives of people in Tasmania and beyond,” Ms Furler said.
Huon general manager of corporate governance Hannah Gray said supporting the project was a continuation of the company’s support for medical research through its partnership with RHHRF.
“Dialysis patients need more protein and omega-3s, nutrients Tasmanian salmon offers in abundance,” she said.
“We’re proud to support research that improves health outcomes for our community.”