1.  What is dialysis, and what types are there?

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Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively. The two main types are hemodialysis, where blood is filtered through a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of your abdomen to filter your blood inside your body.
(Source: National Kidney Foundation, CDC)

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2. How often and how long are hemodialysis treatments?

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Most people on in-centre hemodialysis have treatment three times per week, and each session usually lasts about four hours. Your exact schedule and treatment length are set by your nephrologist based on your health needs.
(Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK])

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3. Is peritoneal dialysis as effective as hemodialysis?

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For many patients, peritoneal dialysis is as effective as hemodialysis when used correctly. The choice depends on your medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preference. Your nephrologist will help you decide which option suits you best.
(Source: Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] guidelines)

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4. Which hemodialysis access is best?

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An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is considered the best access for long-term dialysis because it generally lasts the longest and has the lowest infection risk. If a fistula isn’t possible, an AV graft may be used. Central venous catheters are typically temporary as they carry higher risks of infection and clotting.
(Source: CDC “Core Interventions for Bloodstream Infection Prevention in Hemodialysis”)

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5. How can I spot infection at my access site?

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Check your access site daily. Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, or fever — and report any of these symptoms to your dialysis team right away. Practising good hygiene and handwashing helps prevent infection.
(Source: CDC, National Kidney Foundation)

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6. What happens if I miss a dialysis session?

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Missing dialysis can cause fluid overload, high potassium levels, and dangerous toxin buildup in your blood. If you must miss or reschedule a session, contact the clinic as soon as possible to plan a make-up treatment.
(Source: NIDDK, Kidney Care UK)

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7. Can I travel while on dialysis?

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Yes, with planning. Many patients continue their dialysis while travelling by arranging sessions at another clinic or using home dialysis. Let your care team know early so they can coordinate your travel dialysis safely.
(Source: National Kidney Foundation, CDC “Travel Tips for Dialysis Patients”)

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8. What diet changes are recommended on dialysis?

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Dialysis patients often need more protein and to limit sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake. Your dialysis dietitian will create an eating plan tailored to your blood test results and treatment type.
(Source: NIDDK “Nutrition and Kidney Disease”)

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9. Is exercise safe while on dialysis?

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Yes. Regular physical activity, such as walking or light stretching, is safe and beneficial for most dialysis patients when approved by their healthcare provider. Exercise can improve strength, energy, and quality of life.
(Source: Kidney Research UK, NIDDK)

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10. Can dialysis be temporary?

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Yes. In cases of acute kidney injury, dialysis may be temporary while your kidneys recover. For chronic kidney failure, dialysis is usually ongoing unless a kidney transplant becomes possible.
(Source: NIDDK, Cleveland Clinic)

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11. What side effects might occur during hemodialysis?

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Some patients experience cramps, low blood pressure, nausea, or fatigue during or after dialysis sessions. These can often be managed by adjusting fluid removal or your diet — talk to your dialysis team if you notice symptoms.
(Source: NIDDK, Mayo Clinic)

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12. How is infection risk different between access types?

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Infection risk is lowest with a fistula, higher with a graft, and highest with a catheter. Your dialysis team will help you care for your access and plan for the safest long-term option.
(Source: CDC, Kidney Care UK)

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13. Can I switch from a catheter or graft to a fistula later?

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In many cases, yes. Once your blood vessels are ready, your nephrologist may refer you to a vascular surgeon to create a fistula. Switching to a fistula can lower your infection risk and improve long-term outcomes.
(Source: CDC, NIDDK)

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All content above is based on current evidence and international guidelines from the CDC, NIDDK, KDIGO, and National Kidney Foundation (accessed 2025).