In vitro clearance of trace elements via continuous renal replacement therapy.

Objective: Trace element loss during continuous renal replacement therapy in patients with acute renal failure has not been quantified sufficiently.

Design: Trace element loss was quantified using an in vitro model of continuous venovenous hemofiltration. Bovine blood was used for the experiment, and the plasma was analyzed for its chromium, copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc content.