In terms of hemodialysis, what is NOT true about the blood and dialysate compartments?

In hemodialysis, the blood and dialysate compartments serve distinct roles in the process of removing waste and excess fluids from the blood. The statement that they are "chemically identical" is not true because the blood and the dialysate are composed of different substances. The dialysate is specifically formulated to create an optimal concentration gradient that facilitates the diffusion of waste products and excess electrolytes from the blood into the dialysate.

The semi-permeable membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining the separation of these two compartments, allowing for the selective movement of molecules based on size and concentration. This separation prevents them from mixing directly, which is essential for the efficiency of the dialysis process. Additionally, the interaction that occurs during diffusion relies on the differences in concentration and chemical composition, which further emphasizes that the blood and dialysate cannot be chemically identical.