What is in-center hemodialysis (HD)?
Hemodialysis (HD) is a renal replacement treatment option for patients with kidney failure. In this process, your blood is filtered outside the body through a dialyzer or “artificial kidney” to remove unwanted waste, toxins, and excess fluid. “Hemo” means blood, and “dialysis” means filter.
Where does the treatment take place?
In a dialysis center (Renal Centre).
How effective is the treatment?
A needle is inserted into your dialysis channel to connect you to an artificial kidney (dialyzer) through the dialysis machine. The blood is purified or filtered through a dialyzer and then returned to your body.
Who performs this treatment?
A team of trained nurses.
What types of dialysis access are available for this treatment?
A dialysis pathway is created or placed in your body, most commonly in your arm, to connect you to a dialysis machine that cleans your blood.
Several factors help determine which type of dialysis route is best for you, including your veins and overall health.
- Fistula: By connecting a blood vessel in your arm – also called an arteriovenous fistula (AVF).
- Graft: A flexible tube inserted into the arm to connect arteries and veins.
- Hemodialysis catheter: A tube placed in the neck, chest, or groin, often used temporarily in certain situations.
You should talk to your doctor about the type of dialysis route that is best for your condition.
What is the typical treatment plan?
- Frequency and duration vary from person to person, but typically 3 times a week for 3-5 hours per session.
- Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate dialysis time for you. Your prescription may need to be adjusted over time to help you feel your best.
What other key considerations are there?
- Treatments are performed by trained nurses or doctor, so you can relax.
- You can ask questions face-to-face at any time.
- You can connect with others who have had similar experiences at your center.
Choose a Renal Center
While your choice may depend on your location and other factors such as health insurance, choosing a dialysis center is an important decision for your physical and mental health. This is a place you typically visit three times a week, so you’ll want to feel comfortable with the people and environment.
- Take a tour before you make a decision. Before making your decision, visit the center to meet with staff, view the facilities and ask questions, including what a typical treatment day is like.
- Not all centers are the same. Observe whether the clinic is clean and well maintained. See if customer service and education are top priorities.
- Location. Consider how far you can travel for treatment, and then check how far the center is from your home, work or school.
- Available schedules. Does the center offer treatments on days and times that suit you? Are there spaces available for new patients at your preferred date and time?
Contact Kuala Lumpur Lions Renal Centre 03-6257 7355 (13, Jalan Murai 1, Taman Million, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur) https://maps.app.goo.gl/hJirVk1dYHs9tDLr8