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Dialysis: an overview of the options
✓ Fact-checked against sourced references · Editorial standards
Dialysis does some of the work of failing kidneys — removing waste, salt and extra fluid from the blood. It is usually needed when kidney function drops below about 15%.
Two ways to dialyse
- Hemodialysis — blood is cleaned by a machine, usually at a centre two to three times a week
- Peritoneal dialysis — blood is cleaned inside the body using the lining of the abdomen, often at home
A bridge, not the endDialysis keeps a person well but does not cure kidney failure. Many go on to have a transplant.
Frequently asked questions
How long can someone live on dialysis?
Many people live for years on dialysis with good control of blood pressure, anaemia and diet.
Sources
Related articles
- Hemodialysis: what the treatment involves
- Peritoneal dialysis at home
- Kidney transplant in India: a practical guide
Educational only. This guide is general kidney-care information, not individual medical advice.