Hemodialysis

In hemodialysis, a machine filters your blood using an artificial kidney or dialyzer. This is used to remove waste products, keep safe levels of certain chemicals and fluid levels in your body, assist with blood pressure control, and helps your body produce red blood cells to keep you healthy.  Hemodialysis can be performed at home with special training or in a dialysis center.

There are two types of in-center dialysis

1. Conventional In-Center Dialysis

    • The treatment is performed 3 times per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 
    • Treatment time will be 3-6 hours per visit prescribed by your doctor based on your kidney function, lab work, and weight.  
    • Your treatment day and time will be determined after discussion of your needs with the center and remain the same from week to week.
    • Staff will perform these treatments

2. Nocturnal In-Center Dialysis, These treatments are a slower more gradual form of In-center hemodialysis and are performed while you sleep. 

    • The treatment is performed 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Tuesday Thursday Saturday.
    • The treatment times range from 6-8 hours per visit as determined by your doctor based on kidney function, lab work, and weight  
    • Your treatment day and time will be determined after discussion of your needs with the center and remain the same from week to week.
    • Staff will perform these treatments

Home Hemodialysis treatments require that you do the procedures exactly as you are taught to prevent infection. Additionally, you will need to store dialysate and other supplies.

1. Short Daily Home Hemodialysis This treatment is performed by you in your home or with a care partner following training.  Your doctor and home training nurse will verify you are able to perform treatments at home once you have completed the training. you have completed the training and are comfortable in performing what you have learned.  

    • Treatments are done 5-7 times per week for 2.5-4 hours based on your size, kidney function, and lab work
    • Treatments are scheduled at your convenience allowing more time for work, educational opportunities, travel, and free time with family and friends
    • The machine is designed for short daily treatments and is easy to learn how to use.
    • Because treatments are done more often
      • You may have reduced dialysis-related symptoms like headaches, nausea, restless legs, and cramping
      • You may require fewer medications for blood pressure and phosphorus control
      • You may have less fluid and diet restrictions
      • Most patients report having more energy and feeling better

2. Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis This treatment is performed by you in your home or with a care partner following several weeks of training. Once you have completed the training, your doctor and home training nurse will verify you are able to perform treatments at home and are comfortable in performing what you have learned. 

    • Treatments are done 5-7 times per week for 6-8 hours based on your size, kidney function, and lab work and are performed while you sleep
    • This form of dialysis uses the same machine like the one used for short daily treatments and is easy to use.
    • You select your treatment days allowing free days  for work, educational opportunities, travel, and free time with family and friends
    • Because you have more hours of treatment each week, this treatment modality is the most like your natural kidney function; second only to transplant
      • You may have reduced dialysis-related symptoms like headaches, nausea, restless legs, and cramping
      • You may require fewer medications for blood pressure and phosphorus control
      • You may have less fluid and diet restrictions
      • Most patients report having more energy and feeling better
To locate dialysis facilities that offer home dialysis, please visit Home Dialysis Central