Systems and methods for priming sorbent-based hemodialysis using dialysis fluid

A method for priming a hemodialysis treatment comprising:

• providing a sorbent cartridge for cleaning spent dialysate fluid returning from a dialyzer;
• preparing a batch of dialysate in a quantity commensurate with being recycled through the sorbent cartridge multiple times;
• priming a dialysate circuit in fluid communication with the dialyzer using the batch dialysate;
• and
• priming a blood circuit in fluid communication with the dialyzer using the batch of dialysate and a valve that is in a fluid line connected to the blood circuit.

A dialysis system comprising:

• a batch container;
• a sorbent cartridge;
• first and second dialysate pumps;
• a blood pump;
• a dialyzer;
• a dialysate circuit (i) in fluid communication with the batch container, the sorbent cartridge, and the dialyzer and (ii) in operable communication with the first and second dialysate pumps;
• a blood circuit (i) in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) in operable communication with the blood pump;
• and
• at least one processor configured to operate a priming sequence in which dialysate prepared in the batch container is flowed to prime both the dialysate and blood circuits.

A dialysis system comprising:

• a batch container;
• a sorbent cartridge;
• first and second dialysate pumps;
• a blood pump;
• a dialyzer;
• a dialysate circuit (i) in fluid communication with the batch container, the sorbent cartridge, and the dialyzer and (ii) in operable communication with the first and second dialysate pumps;
• a blood circuit (i) in fluid communication with the dialyzer, and (ii) in operable communication with the blood pump;
• a fluid line connected to an arterial line of the blood circuit upstream of the dialyzer;
• a valve in the fluid line;
• and
• at least one processor configured to operate a sequence in which the valve is opened to enable dialysate to enter the blood circuit upstream of the dialyzer to prime the blood circuit.