Haemo is the Greek word for blood. Dialysis means a filtering process. Haemodialysis (HD) means the process of filtering blood.
In haemodialysis, the filtering process takes place in a machine outside the body.
A doctor surgically creates a permanent access to the bloodstream so that blood can be diverted through the dialysis machine and back into the body. This access point is called a fistula or graft.
Haemodialysis treatments may be administered:
Haemodialysis usually requires that you have three treatment sessions a week. Each session usually lasts between 3 and 6 hours.
You may need to restrict your diet and fluid intake to minimize the build up of wastes in your body the days between treatment sessions.
