What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is a form of Kidney replacement therapy, which is a treatment that does the function of kidneys when they are not functioning well. Hemo means blood and dialysis mean the separation of substances from the liquid. Hence, hemodialysis is a process in which waste substances are taken out from the blood.
Process of Hemodialysis
In this procedure blood is taken out of the body passed through a filter and the clean blood is returned to the body. It is done by a machine that is composed of Pumps, tubes, and a Filter(dialyzer). Access to blood vessels is required for blood to be passed through the machine and later pumped back into circulation.
When is Hemodialysis required?
Hemodialysis is required when the kidney is working less than 10% and are not able to maintain normal fluid, and electrolyte levels and have a toxic build-up of waste products threatening a person’s survival and well-being.
The types of Hemodialysis
Conventional Hemodialysis– It is done 3 times a week for 4 hours per session. Adequate hemodialysis requires good blood access with blood flows of more than 300 ml per minute, the appropriate size of the dialyzer. The urea reduction ratio (assessed by measuring urea before and after dialysis) of more than 65 % is considered a target for the adequacy of dialysis.
Hemodiafiltration– This is a special type of hemodialysis that requires additional substitution fluid for enhanced waste and water removal. It is recommended for patients who require extra fluid, salt, and waste product removal.
Duration and Frequency of Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is usually done 3 times a week for 4 hours in each session, some patients however may need it more frequently. It is important to check the amount of cleaning achieved in dialysis by checking urea before and at the end of dialysis and it should have decreased by at least more than 65% in one dialysis session. This is usually checked at least once a month but may be done more frequently if required.
