Back
Print 

Dialysis

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that helps filter waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

  • Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter wastes and remove extra fluid from the blood. It is usually done in a hospital or outpatient dialysis center 3 times a week. Some types of hemodialysis are done at home.
  • Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal membrane) and a solution (dialysate) to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. Treatment can be done at home over several sessions each day or for several hours at night.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.