AKCC — Advanced Kidney Care Clinic
All care choicesCare choice 03 of 04

Haemodialysis

A dialysis machine filters your blood and returns the cleaned blood to your body.

Learn more
Start here

What haemodialysis means

Blood passes from your body through a special filter called a dialyser. The filter removes waste and extra fluid before the blood returns to you.

Learn more

Treatment takes place at a dialysis centre on a regular schedule. Each session usually lasts several hours, but the exact plan is prescribed for you.

FilterA dialysis machine
AccessA fistula or catheter
PlaceA dialysis centre
What treatment may look like

What a haemodialysis session may look like

You sit in a reclining chair at the dialysis unit. Two soft lines connect your dialysis access to the machine, and the dialysis team stays nearby and checks you.

How you connect

Two ways to connect to the dialysis machine

Your dialysis team will explain which access you have, how it is used, and how to care for it.

Usually in the arm

AV fistula

A surgeon joins an artery and a vein, usually in the arm. The vein becomes wider and stronger so it can be used for dialysis.

  • An AV fistula needs time to develop before it can be used for dialysis.
  • Sometimes another procedure may be needed to help the fistula develop or make it suitable for dialysis.
  • Two needles are used during each dialysis treatment.
Neck and chest

Central venous catheter

The catheter enters through a large vein in the neck, and its tip sits in a large vein close to the heart. Part of the catheter passes under the skin before coming out through the upper chest. The two ends outside the body connect to the dialysis machine.

  • It can be used soon after it is placed.
  • No dialysis needles are placed into the arm.
  • The dressing must stay clean, dry, and secure.
The process

What happens at a session

The dialysis team monitors you throughout each treatment.

01

Arrive and check

Your weight, blood pressure, symptoms, and dialysis access are checked.

02

Connect

The team connects the dialysis lines through your fistula or catheter.

03

Filter

Blood moves through the dialyser while the machine removes waste and planned extra fluid.

04

Finish and review

The lines are removed or disconnected, and your blood pressure and wellbeing are checked again.

Before treatment

Preparation may include

  • Assessment of the blood vessels in your arms and discussion of the safest access option
  • Early creation of a fistula when appropriate, because it needs time before use
  • A centre schedule, transport plan, and contact details for the dialysis unit
  • Individual advice about medicines, food, fluid, and what to bring
Everyday care

Daily life may include

  • Centre visits become a regular part of the week and need to fit around family, work, and travel
  • Some people feel tired, dizzy, or cramp during or after treatment and should tell the dialysis team
  • The access arm or catheter site needs protection and regular checks
  • Food, fluid, and medicines are adjusted to your blood results and remaining kidney function

Questions patients often ask

Open a question for a short answer, or continue to the complete question guide.

A fistula is a connection made between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, and needs time to become ready. A catheter is a soft tube placed into a large vein, with two ends that come out through the chest and can usually be used soon after insertion.

An AV fistula is usually allowed to develop for about 4–6 weeks before it is used. Some fistulas need longer, depending on healing, blood flow, and how the vein develops. The dialysis team will examine it and confirm when it is ready.

Two needles are usually placed into a mature fistula for each session. A central venous catheter connects directly to the dialysis lines, so arm needles are not used with that access.

See more questions
Your counselling session

Bring your family members.

They can hear the same explanation, remember important details, and understand the plan with you.

Prepare for AKCC
Continue exploring

Next care choice

Conservative kidney management