The time needed for your dialysis treatments depends on:
- how well your kidneys work
- how much fluid weight you gain between treatments
- how much waste you have in your body
- how big you are
- the type of artificial kidney used
In hemodialysis, your blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a special filter (dialyzer) that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. Removing the harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids helps control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium in your body. One of the biggest adjustments you must make when you start hemodialysis treatments is following a strict schedule.
Most patients go to a dialysis center— three times a week for four hours each visit. For example, you may be on a Saturday – Monday – Wednesday schedule or a Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday schedule. You may be asked to choose a morning, afternoon, or evening shift, depending on availability and capacity at the dialysis unit. Your dialysis center will explain your options for scheduling regular treatments.