Hemodialysis Training in Cagayan de Oro

So, I finally took a leap and decided to take a different path in my nursing career–to become a nephrology nurse. I cannot contain my excitement to be part of Global Nephro Training Center’s September 2015 batch in their Cagayan de Oro branch, Nephrology Cneter Cagayan de Oro (NCCDO).

Their hemodialysis training consists of 4 modules:

• Module 1 (10 days) – lectures
• Module 2 (15 days) – hands-on; priming
• Module 3 (20 days) – hands-on; cannulation
• Module 4 (20 days) – skills mastery

Requirements:

1. Resume (2 copies)
2. Photocopy (BLS, IVT, Hosp Exp if any, PRC ID)
3. Hepatitis Profile (HBsAg, Anti-HBsAg and Anti-HCv)

For more infos regarding reservation and fees, visit their Facebook page linked above.

Where to get Cheap Hepatitis profile (HBsAg, Anti-HBsAg and Anti-HCv)tests?

For the Hepatitis profile (HBsAg, Anti-HBsAg and Anti-HCv), you can save a lot in independent Diagnostic Centers however, they are mostly likely out of stock of one or two of the tests due to its demand and it would take more time and more punctures for blood specimen if you get the tests in different centers. So, you will most likely end up in a hospital’s diagnostic lab all because they are always complete costing you to as much as P1500 especially if private. I almost gave in to the price but decided to ask for a breakdown. Knowing that one test was P100 pricier, I decided to try more centers. Good thing I landed at St. Ignatious Health Foundation, Inc just beside Pelaez Sports Complex, Don A. Velez Street and I was able to save up more than 50% paying for only P700+.

Why have all these Hepatitis profile (HBsAg, Anti-HBsAg and Anti-HCv)tests taken?

Infection is the second leading cause of death for dialysis patients and hepatitis B and C are the viruses they are at increased risk. When dialysis patients have other health conditions and/or a weakened immune system, they are more highly susceptible to infections, especially when infection prevention practices are not strictly followed by dialysis staff. Furthermore, it is the result of cross-contamination transfer of bacteria from patient-to-patient or from surface-to-surface (dialysis machine, medications, fistula/catheter, telephone, medical chart, door knob, supplies, computer keyboards and more). The handling of patients, supplies, and equipment thus requires a very high degree of focused attention by care providers. Consistent, standard, reliable application of simple efforts to prevent infection is important in order to ensure better health of dialysis patients.

Understanding HBsAg, Anti-HBsAg and Anti-HCv Screening Results

1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

   This tests for the presence of virus. A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, which can be an “acute” or a “chronic” infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids.

2. Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs)

   A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person has successfully responded to the hepatitis B vaccine or has recovered from an acute hepatitis B infection. This result means that you are immune to future hepatitis B infection and you are not contagious. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings.

3. Hepatitis C Antibody Test (anti-HCv)

   A Non-reactive or a negative Hepatitis C antibody test result means that a person does not have Hepatitis C. However, if a person has been recently exposed to the Hepatitis C virus, he or she will need to be tested again.
   A Reactive or a positive Hepatitis C antibody test result means that Hepatitis C antibodies were found in the blood and a person has been infected with the Hepatitis C virus at some point in time.

   A reactive antibody test does not necessarily mean a person still has Hepatitis C. Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if even if they have cleared the Hepatitis C virus. A reactive antibody test requires an additional, follow-up test to determine if a person is currently infected with Hepatitis C.

So are you positive or negative? See you in class, nephrology nurses!