- Removal of dialysable toxins 1
- Removal of contrast agent 1(less relevant with newer contrast agents)
- Clearance of cytokines to decrease the severity of sepsis (controversial)
- Control of body temperature 1(an extracorporeal circuit can help control hypo or hyperthermia which is resistant to other methods of control)
- Control of otherwise uncontrollable electrolytes: 1
- ↑ Ca+ refractory to pamidronate
- Sodium abnormalities resistant to treatment