Hemodialysis Vascular Access: Care Instructions

Overview

Hemodialysis, or dialysis, is the use of a machine to remove wastes from your blood. You need it if your kidneys are not able to remove wastes on their own. A dialysis access is the place in your arm, or sometimes in your leg, where a doctor creates a blood vessel that carries a large flow of blood.

Your doctor creates an access during a minor surgery. You need to take care of your access to keep it working and to prevent infection.

When you have dialysis, two needles are placed in this blood vessel and are connected to the dialysis machine. Your blood flows out of one needle and into the machine to be cleaned. Then your cleaned blood flows back into your body through the other needle. Sometimes a doctor makes a short-term access through a tube, called a catheter, placed in your neck, upper chest, or groin.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• After your doctor creates an access, keep it dry for at least 2 days.
• Squeeze a soft ball or other object as instructed after the access is placed. This will help blood flow through the access and help prevent blood clots.
• After you have dialysis, check to see if the access bleeds or swells. Let your doctor know if your arm bleeds or swells.
• Do not lift anything heavy with the arm that has the access.
• Do not bump your arm.
• Don't wear tight clothing or jewelry over the access.
• Don't sleep with your access arm under your body.
• Have blood drawn or blood pressure taken from your other arm.
• Keep the access clean and dry.
• Don't put cream or lotion on or near the access.