Peritoneal Dialysis Adequacy Measurement (Kt/V or Dialysis Efficiency Index)
This test helps doctors check how well your peritoneal dialysis is removing waste and extra fluid from your blood, ensuring your kidneys are being supported properly.
Your dialysis effectiveness is monitored to prevent buildup of harmful substances and maintain your health between treatments.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70955-0
- Short code
- PRESCRIPTIONCHANGEDFOLLOWINGTHEPERITONEALDIALYSISADEQUACYMEASUREMENT
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- esrd
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This test evaluates the efficiency of your peritoneal dialysis by measuring how much waste and fluid your dialysis fluid removes from your blood. It typically involves analyzing your blood or urine for specific markers that reflect how well your dialysis is functioning.
Why It Matters for You
Proper dialysis adequacy is critical for preventing complications like fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, or toxic buildup. Your doctor may adjust your dialysis schedule or fluid intake based on these results.
How It’s Done
Your healthcare team may use blood or urine samples to calculate the test results. Blood tests often measure markers like creatinine clearance or urea reduction ratio, while urine tests may assess dialysate fluid analysis for residual waste.
What to Expect Before or After
No special preparation is needed for this test, but you may be asked to follow your usual dialysis routine. If blood is drawn, you might experience a slight pinch, but it’s usually quick and painless.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low adequacy scores may indicate your dialysis isn’t removing enough waste, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or nausea. High scores might suggest your dialysis is too aggressive, risking fluid loss or electrolyte imbalances. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Dialysis adequacy test
Frequently asked questions
Will this test affect my dialysis plan?
How often will I need this test?
What if my results are outside expected ranges?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy