Dialysis Technician Certification Exam Study
Guide 2026 – CCHT & CHT Complete Review
with Verified Practice Questions, Hemodialysis
Procedures, Patient Care, Infection Control &
Machine Operations
1. What is the primary purpose of hemodialysis?
A) To replace hormones lost due to kidney failure
B) C) To remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood
C) To stimulate the kidneys to produce urine
D) To increase red blood cell production
RATIONALE: Hemodialysis mimics the filtering function of the kidneys by removing uremic
toxins, excess electrolytes, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this
function adequately.
2. The semipermeable membrane in a dialyzer allows movement of substances by which
process?
A) Active transport
B) Osmosis only
C) Diffusion and ultrafiltration
D) Phagocytosis
RATIONALE: Diffusion moves solutes across the membrane from high to low concentration.
Ultrafiltration moves water via pressure gradients. Both occur simultaneously during
hemodialysis.
3. What does the term "dialysate" refer to?
A) The patient's blood during dialysis
B) The anticoagulant used in dialysis
C) The solution on the other side of the membrane that accepts waste
, D) The saline used to prime the circuit
RATIONALE: Dialysate is a specially formulated fluid that flows countercurrent to blood. Its
composition is designed to draw out waste while maintaining proper electrolyte balance.
4. What is the normal blood flow rate (BFR) range in hemodialysis?
A) 50–100 mL/min
B) 150–200 mL/min
C) 300–500 mL/min
D) 600–800 mL/min
RATIONALE: Standard BFR during hemodialysis is 300–500 mL/min. Higher flow rates
improve solute clearance (Kt/V), while lower rates may be used in patients with cardiovascular
instability.
5. Which access type is considered the "gold standard" for hemodialysis?
A) Central venous catheter (CVC)
B) PICC line
C) Arteriovenous fistula (AVF)
D) Arteriovenous graft (AVG)
RATIONALE: The AVF is the preferred access because it has the lowest infection rate, longest
patency, and fewest complications compared to grafts and catheters.
6. What is the typical dialysate flow rate (DFR)?
A) 100–200 mL/min
B) 200–300 mL/min
C) 500–800 mL/min
D) 900–1200 mL/min
Guide 2026 – CCHT & CHT Complete Review
with Verified Practice Questions, Hemodialysis
Procedures, Patient Care, Infection Control &
Machine Operations
1. What is the primary purpose of hemodialysis?
A) To replace hormones lost due to kidney failure
B) C) To remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood
C) To stimulate the kidneys to produce urine
D) To increase red blood cell production
RATIONALE: Hemodialysis mimics the filtering function of the kidneys by removing uremic
toxins, excess electrolytes, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this
function adequately.
2. The semipermeable membrane in a dialyzer allows movement of substances by which
process?
A) Active transport
B) Osmosis only
C) Diffusion and ultrafiltration
D) Phagocytosis
RATIONALE: Diffusion moves solutes across the membrane from high to low concentration.
Ultrafiltration moves water via pressure gradients. Both occur simultaneously during
hemodialysis.
3. What does the term "dialysate" refer to?
A) The patient's blood during dialysis
B) The anticoagulant used in dialysis
C) The solution on the other side of the membrane that accepts waste
, D) The saline used to prime the circuit
RATIONALE: Dialysate is a specially formulated fluid that flows countercurrent to blood. Its
composition is designed to draw out waste while maintaining proper electrolyte balance.
4. What is the normal blood flow rate (BFR) range in hemodialysis?
A) 50–100 mL/min
B) 150–200 mL/min
C) 300–500 mL/min
D) 600–800 mL/min
RATIONALE: Standard BFR during hemodialysis is 300–500 mL/min. Higher flow rates
improve solute clearance (Kt/V), while lower rates may be used in patients with cardiovascular
instability.
5. Which access type is considered the "gold standard" for hemodialysis?
A) Central venous catheter (CVC)
B) PICC line
C) Arteriovenous fistula (AVF)
D) Arteriovenous graft (AVG)
RATIONALE: The AVF is the preferred access because it has the lowest infection rate, longest
patency, and fewest complications compared to grafts and catheters.
6. What is the typical dialysate flow rate (DFR)?
A) 100–200 mL/min
B) 200–300 mL/min
C) 500–800 mL/min
D) 900–1200 mL/min
