Renal Dialysis Center
What is a renal dialysis center?
A renal dialysis center, sometimes referred to as a dialysis center, is a hospital-based or independent unit approved and licensed to provide outpatient dialysis services. Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for those with chronic kidney failure and takes over for the kidneys as it cleanses the blood.
Those who require dialysis often visit the dialysis center around three times a week, and each session lasts between three to four hours.
The two types of dialysis include hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. A dialysis center may offer both types or only one.
Healthcare professionals who may work at a dialysis center include nephrologists, certified hemodialysis technicians, registered nurses, clinical social workers, and registered dietitians. The goal of all the staff is to improve the health of those with end-stage renal disease.
Why are dialysis centers important?
Those with chronic kidney failure cannot properly filter their blood due to the lack of function of the kidneys. This can lead to a buildup of water, waste, and salt to dangerous levels. If left untreated, it can even be fatal.
Because of this, dialysis is a necessary treatment to filter out these unwanted substances and maintain a good balance in the blood. Dialysis centers offer a place for patients to receive this life-saving treatment. After treatment, a dialysis patient can usually return to work, travel, or live normally.