Treatment in a clinic

In-Center Hemodialysis

During hemodialysis, blood is passed through a filter called a dialyzer. Solution inside the dialyzer removes wastes, toxins and excess fluid from the blood. After passing through the dialyzer the filtered blood returns to the body. A specially prepared dialysis access is needed to perform hemodialysis. The forearm is a common site for a hemodialysis access. Most often, the treatment takes place in a clinic.

Usually 3 treatments required each week

Treatments usually last 3-4 hours; will be customized to fit your needs

U.S. Renal Care clinic

doctor and patient dialysis treatment

Treatments are administered by well-trained medical professionals and highly-skilled technicians.

During hemodialysis, blood is passed through a filter called a dialyzer. Solution inside the dialyzer removes wastes, toxins and excess fluid from the blood. After passing through the dialyzer the filtered blood returns to the body. A specially prepared dialysis access is needed to perform hemodialysis. The forearm is a common site for a hemodialysis access. Most often, the treatment takes place in a clinic. 

Usually 3 treatments required each week

Treatments usually last 3-4 hours; will be customized to fit your needs

U.S. Renal Care clinic

How It Works

Hemodialysis Process

During hemodialysis, a patient’s blood runs through medical tubing to a dialysis machine. The blood is reached using a prepared access site, typically from the patient's forearm.

The blood passes through a filter, called a dialyzer, in the machine. The dialyzer uses a solution, called dialysate, to absorb waste, toxins and excess fluid from the blood. After passing through the dialyzer, the filtered blood returns to the body.

Treatment Advantages

  • Treatments are administered by well-trained medical professionals and highly- skilled technicians.
  • Centers have different treatment shifts.
  • While you dialyze, you are free to enjoy activities such as reading, listening to music or browsing the Internet.
  • You can socialize with other dialysis patients.

Treatment Disadvantages

  • It requires you to travel to and from a dialysis center three times a week on a fixed schedule.
  • Two needles will need to be inserted by staff for every treatment.
  • There are diet restrictions you have to follow.

Your First In-Center Clinic Visit

Going to your first in-center treatment may seem overwhelming, but our staff is friendly, and the process is simple. Here’s a peek at what will happen.

You have two access options

Hemodialysis

graphic showing a fistula

Fistula

This surgical procedure connects your artery and vein, usually in your forearm. This method is often the best kind of access because your own tissue is used, which means a lower chance of infection and clotting.

graphic showing a graft

Graft

This option uses a tube to connect your artery and vein under the skin. A graft might require additional maintenance or repair, but can last for several years.

Find your center

We operate more than 400 outpatient, home and specialty dialysis programs.