Dialysis

Pronunciation

Definition 1

The process of filtering the blood when the kidneys are not able to cleanse it. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

A procedure to remove toxic substances from the blood that is used in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure. This includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. (NCI Thesaurus)

More information

When your kidneys are healthy, they clean your blood. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys used to do. Unless you have a kidney transplant, you will need a treatment called dialysis.

There are two main types of dialysis. Both types filter your blood to rid your body of harmful wastes, extra salt, and water.

• Hemodialysis uses a machine. It is sometimes called an artificial kidney. You usually go to a special clinic for treatments several times a week.
• Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen, called the peritoneal membrane, to filter your blood. (NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Also called: Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis

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