Dialysis in a Center

Why choose in-center hemodialysis?

✓ For some, it’s more convenient than setting up dialysis treatment at home.

✓ Trained nurses and technicians ensure each treatment goes smoothly.

✓ With 20 centers across the Puget Sound region, it’s possible to fit in-center dialysis around busy work or school schedules. Our clinics are open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

If you aren’t sure whether to choose in-center or home dialysis, come to our free Choices class to learn about treatment options or speak with your doctor.

Getting ready

Before you begin in-center hemodialysis treatments, you’ll need to:

• Get a hemodialysis access. The best type of access is a fistula. Your kidney doctor will refer you to a surgeon for a small outpatient surgery on your arm. A surgeon joins a vein and an artery together inside your arm (nothing will be sticking outside of your arm). A fistula takes six to eight weeks to grow until the vessel is big enough to allow us to connect you to a dialysis machine to clean your blood.

• Plan transportation to and from treatment. If you drive before starting dialysis, then you can continue to do so once you have started treatment. When you first start dialysis, you may feel weak or a little unsteady after treatments. It is best to have someone pick you up after dialysis for the first week. After that, you may resume driving as you feel able. Speak to your social worker if you need help getting a ride to or from dialysis or have other transportation questions or concerns.

What to expect

A typical in-center hemodialysis treatment will go like this:

• Come early. Arrive early to your first treatment to sign treatment consents and get answers to your questions before treatment starts.

• Get set up. As you get situated in one of our comfortable recliners, a nurse or technician will connect you to a dialysis machine that pumps your blood through a filter, known as a “dialyzer.”

• Start dialyzing. For about four hours, the machine will pump your blood and filter out waste.

• Pass the time. You’re free to sleep, watch TV, work on your laptop (we also have laptops available), read a book or chat with a friend as you dialyze. TVs and free Wi-Fi are available in each of our centers.

• Receive ongoing support. Your nurse care manager, dietitian and social worker will be able to give advice, education and offer support whenever you need it.