Practical information on hemodialysis, hemofiltration, peritoneal dialysis and apheresis is featured in this journal. Recognizing the critical importance of equipment and procedures, particular emphasis has been placed on reports, drawn from a wide range of fields, describing technical advances and improvements in methodology. Papers reflect the search for cost-effective solutions which increase not only patient survival but also patient comfort and disease improvement through prevention or correction of undesirable effects. Advances in vascular access and blood anticoagulation, problems associated with exposure of blood to foreign surfaces and acute-care nephrology, including continuous therapies, also receive attention. Nephrologists, internists, intensivists and hospital staff involved in dialysis, apheresis and immunoadsorption for acute and chronic solid organ failure will find this journal useful and informative. 'Blood Purification' also serves as a platform for multidisciplinary experiences involving nephrologists, cardiologists and critical care physicians in order to expand the level of interaction between different disciplines and specialities.