In-Center Hemodialysis

Most hemodialysis patients receive their treatment in a specially designed dialysis center or unit. The unit may be within a hospital or in a separate outpatient building.

Patients travel to the unit to use one of the unit's dialysis machines. During a dialysis treatment, patients may move about in their beds or recliner chairs but are not able to move around the dialysis center. They can chat, read, work on crafts, or watch TV.

Nurses at the unit prepare the equipment, insert the needles, and supervise the sessions. Many units encourage patients to play an active part in their own treatment. This may involve checking your own blood pressure or inserting your own needles. You may learn how to put yourself on and take yourself off the dialysis machine, if you wish.

Patients need to be on a fixed schedule and usually travel to the unit approximately three times a week for treatment.