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Hemodialysis: Compare conventional and daily treatment schedules

Hemodialysis is a procedure in which a machine filters harmful waste and excess electrolytes and fluid from your blood. Conventional hemodialysis is done three times a week. At some dialysis centers, you can choose daily hemodialysis, which is done six days a week. Compare your options.

  Conventional hemodialysis Daily hemodialysis
Schedule You'll usually choose Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. You'll have hemodialysis six days a week.
Location Conventional hemodialysis may be done at a dialysis center or at home if you have someone to help you. Daily hemodialysis may be done at a dialysis center or at home if you have someone to help you.
Time spent on dialysis Three to five hours for each treatment session. About two hours for each treatment session.
Advantages Conventional hemodialysis requires fewer treatment sessions a week. Less time between treatment sessions may improve your appetite, sleeping patterns, energy level, sense of well-being and ability to concentrate. Cramping, headaches, shortness of breath and low blood pressure are less likely.
Disadvantages More time between treatments may allow excess fluid, electrolytes and waste to build up — which may cause cramping, headaches, nausea, vomiting, unstable or low blood pressure, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Daily hemodialysis requires more treatment sessions a week.

KIDNEYS AND URINARY TRACT

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May 17, 2008