HD treatments can be performed in a variety of settings, such as a clinic or hospital, or, for those who meet the criteria, it may be performed at home. The patients who select to dialyse in a centre will usually receive HD three times a week for approximately 4–5 hours. You will be given a regular schedule of when to come to treatment, for example “Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 7am”.

If you prefer to perform your own dialysis treatments at home, you may have a different type of schedule for treatments, perhaps HD 6–8 hours while you sleep, or perhaps 3–4 hours of HD every other day. You should speak with your doctor to learn if this option is available in your area.

Tests are done monthly to ensure that you are getting enough dialysis. Your doctor and nurse will explain the results to you and discuss if any adjustments need to be made to your therapy.