Dialysis vs. Healthy Kidney Function: Understanding the Difference

Dialysis is a laboratory technique used to simulate the essential benefits of normal kidney function. Dialysis is employed after a person suffers renal failure.

Job of the Kidney

• The kidney is a bean-shaped organ responsible for removing nearly two quarts of waste and excess water from your blood supply every day.

When is Dialysis Needed?

• Dialysis becomes necessary when normal kidney function fails. If dialysis is not employed, a person is likely to die from the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.

How Often is Dialysis Necessary?

• Depending on which technique is used, kidney dialysis will have to be performed anywhere from three to seven days a week for two to four hours at a time.

Hemodialysis

• Hemodialysis is a specific kidney dialysis technique which uses a filter that collects wastes and extra salt and water from the blood and then returns the blood back into the body.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Peritoneal dialysis involves pumping a liquid in the abdomen and then removing that liquid once it has become saturated with waste products.