Accuracy of Crit‐Line® monitors in predicting hematocrit and change in blood volume of dogs during hemodialysis

Abstract Background Ultrafiltration (UF) is an extracorporeal technique for treating fluid overload and is monitored with noninvasive blood volume monitors. Hypothesis/Objectives The primary objective was to determine the accuracy of Crit‐Line® III and IV noninvasive blood volume monitors to estimate canine packed cell volume (PCV) and changes in blood volume during UF. A secondary aim was to determine accuracy of targeted ultrafiltration rates (UFR) compared to calculated delivered UFR. Methods An ex vivo study with a single Phoenix® X36 platform and canine packed red blood cells (pRBC) was performed. Through dilution and UF, clinically applicable PCV values were obtained and compared to Crit‐Line® hematocrit (Hct). Blood volume was constantly measured and compared to targeted UFR. Systematic and proportional bias were calculated using a Bayes method. Results Crit‐Line® III and IV reported Hct was significantly lower than PCV (n = 140, median 26%, range, 8%‐50%) when PCV was >25% and >30%, respectively. Crit‐Line® III and IV calculated change in blood volume (ΔBV%) was significantly different from measured blood volume changes at ΔBV% ±20% and >−20%, respectively. Comparing targeted and delivered UFR (mL/h), less than targeted UFR was removed at UFR100 through UFR400 and UFR0 adding volume. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Crit‐Line® III and IV monitors provide accurate estimates of canine PCV and UF volume change within specific ranges and are useful in monitoring canine UF and hemodialysis. Veterinary hemodialysis services should evaluate individual machines for UFR inaccuracies, which can meaningfully affect small animals.