Home hemodialysis

Conventional home hemodialysis

Conventional home hemodialysis is a treatment you do yourself at home, with the help of a partner. Both you and your partner must be trained to use the machine and to insert the needles into your vascular access. A home hemodialysis machine is a smaller version of the in-center hemodialysis machine that does the same job. This type of dialysis may let you have a more flexible treatment schedule because you can do your treatments when it is convenient for you. However, you must follow your doctor's instructions about how many times per week you need to do your treatments and how long each treatment should last. Most people who choose conventional home hemodialysis do their treatments three times per week for three to five hours each time. It is very important that you do not skip your treatments!

Nocturnal home hemodialysis

If you work, go to school or have other commitments during the day, you may choose to do nocturnal home hemodialysis. This treatment schedule allows you and your care partner to do your treatments at home, while you sleep. Each treatment session lasts six to eight hours and can be done every other night or more often, depending on what your doctor thinks is best for you. Having your treatments more often and for longer periods of time means that fluid is taken out of your blood more slowly and more often. This may help you feel better between treatments and may allow you more freedom with your diet and fluid intake.

Short daily home hemodialysis

Short daily home hemodialysis is done for about two hours, every day of the week or almost every day. Your doctor can tell you how often you should do your treatments. This type of hemodialysis can be done at any time of the day that is convenient for you and your care partner. Having your treatments more often means that fluid is taken out of your blood more slowly and more often. This may help you feel better between treatments.