What is the major plasma buffer that is important during dialysis?

Bicarbonate serves as the major plasma buffer that plays a crucial role during dialysis. In the context of renal function, bicarbonate is essential for maintaining acid-base balance in the body. When kidneys fail to adequately excrete acids, maintaining normal pH becomes a significant challenge. In dialysis, specifically hemodialysis, bicarbonate is often included in the dialysate solution to help counteract acidosis that may result from the accumulation of metabolic acids in the body. As blood passes through the dialysis machine, bicarbonate can help neutralize these acids, thus stabilizing the blood's pH level.

Using bicarbonate in dialysis not only corrects existing acidosis but also prevents complications that can arise from imbalances in pH. This is particularly important since patients with kidney failure can suffer from chronic metabolic acidosis, contributing to various systemic issues.