If total chlorine breakthrough is noted post RO, what is the first action to take?

When total chlorine breakthrough is detected after the reverse osmosis (RO) process, the priority response is to ensure patient safety and system integrity. The first action to take in this situation is not to initiate or to immediately stop treatment.

The presence of total chlorine in the treated water indicates a potential failure in the RO system, compromising the quality of the water being supplied for treatment. Chlorine can be harmful to patients, particularly those undergoing dialysis, as it may cause hemolysis and other adverse reactions. Immediate cessation of treatment prevents any potentially harmful exposure to chlorine, thus protecting patient safety.

Once the system is halted, further investigation and corrective actions can be taken, such as assessing the integrity of the RO membrane and considering replacement if it has failed or been compromised. It's crucial to address the source of the chlorine breakthrough before resuming treatment, ensuring that the water meets safety standards.