equilibrium dialysis

dialysis /di·al·y·sis/ (di-al´ĭ-sis) [Gr.]

1. the process of separating macromolecules from ions and low molecular weight compounds in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, through which crystalloids pass readily but colloids pass slowly or not at all.

2. hemodialysis.dialyt´ic

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equilibrium dialysis  a technique of determination of the association constant of hapten-antibody reactions.

lymph dialysis  removal of urea and other elements from lymph collected from the thoracic duct, treated outside the body, and later reinfused.

peritoneal dialysis  dialysis through the peritoneum, the dialyzing solution being introduced into and removed from the peritoneal cavity, as either a continuous or an intermittent procedure.

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equilibrium dialysis

n.

A method for determining the association constants for hapten-antibody reactions, by placing hapten and antibody in compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane, thereby allowing hapten to diffuse across the membrane until its concentration reaches equilibrium.

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equilibrium

a state of balance between opposing forces or influences. In the body, equilibrium may be chemical or physical. A state of chemical equilibrium is reached when the body tissues contain the proper proportions of various salts and water. See also acid-base balance and fluid balance. Physical equilibrium, such as the state of balance required for walking or standing, is achieved by a very complex interplay of opposing sets of muscles. The labyrinth of the inner ear contains the semicircular canals, or organs of balance, and relays to the brain information about the body's position and also the direction of body motions. Genetic equilibrium is achieved when the allelic frequencies do not change from generation to generation.

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equilibrium dialysis

a technique for determining the affinity of an antibody for an antigen.

equilibrium disturbances

see posture, posture balance.

dynamic equilibrium

the condition of balance between varying, shifting and opposing forces that is characteristic of living processes.