Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
hemodilution
Reduction in blood cell concentration caused by adding crystalloid or colloid solutions during cardiopulmonary bypass priming.
Full Definition
The dilution of blood components that occurs when the patient's circulation is connected to the primed extracorporeal circuit, resulting in decreased hematocrit, protein concentration, and coagulation factors. Acute normovolemic hemodilution is sometimes intentionally used to reduce blood viscosity and improve microcirculation during hypothermia, but excessive hemodilution can impair oxygen delivery and increase bleeding risk. Management strategies include minimized circuit priming and ultrafiltration.
Usage
Usage note: Can be beneficial or harmful depending on degree; context matters.
In Context
- "Significant hemodilution occurred with hematocrit dropping from 38% to 22% on bypass initiation." — Perfusion record
- "The miniaturized circuit reduced hemodilution while maintaining adequate perfusion pressure." — Quality improvement study
Also known as
blood dilution
acute normovolemic hemodilution
Contrasted with
hemoconcentration
Don't confuse with
anemia
bleeding