Hemodialysis access - self care
Kidney failure - chronic-hemodialysis access; Renal failure - chronic-hemodialysis access; Chronic renal insufficiency - hemodialysis access; Chronic kidney failure - hemodialysis access; Chronic renal failure - hemodialysis access; Dialysis - hemodialysis access
The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.
The kidneys remove excess fluid and waste from your body. Blood is filtered in the kidneys through nephrons. Each nephron contains a network of small blood vessels, called glomerulus, which are enclosed in a sac called Bowman's capsule. The filtered waste product (urine) flows through tiny tubes and is then passed from the kidneys to the bladder through bigger tubes called ureters.
Prevent Infection in Your Access
Keep your access clean. Wash the access with soap and water every day to decrease your risk of infection.
Do not scratch your access. If you scratch open your skin at the access, you could get an infection.
To prevent infection:
- Avoid bumping or cutting your access.
- Do not lift anything heavy with the arm with the access.
- Use your access for hemodialysis only.
- Do not let anyone take your blood pressure, draw blood, or start an IV in the arm with the access.
Keep Blood Flowing Through Your Access
To keep blood flowing through the access:
- Do not sleep or lie on the arm with the access.
- Do not wear clothes that are tight around the arms or wrists.
- Do not wear jewelry that is tight around the arms or wrists.
Checking Your Access
Check the pulse in your access arm. You should feel blood rushing through that feels like a vibration. This vibration is called a "thrill."
Have the nurse or technician check your access before every dialysis.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have any signs of infection, including redness, pain, pus, drainage, or you have a fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
- You do not feel a thrill at your access.
References
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Hemodialysis.
National Kidney Foundation website. Hemodialysis access.
Yeun JY, Young B, Depner TA, Chin AA. Hemodialysis. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 8/28/2023
Reviewed by: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
