You may or may not know this, but there are actually two different types of kidney dialysis. The type that is traditionally done in a medical facility is called hemodialysis, while the other type is peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is a dialysis option that can be done at home by the patient or a caregiver. We will focus on hemodialysis in this article, as it is most commonly done by a technician.
What is Hemodialysis?
With hemodialysis, a patient’s blood is moved from the body and into a machine. At that point it is filtered before it is returned to the patient’s body. Kidney dialysis technology such as the dialysis machine, does the job of a healthy pair of kidneys for a person who has a medical problem associated with their own kidneys.
Dialysis Sessions
In many cases, patients who are receiving dialysis will need to come in three times a week to have treatment. The treatment typically lasts about four hours. While some people are trained to do this at home, many visit a hospital or medical clinic to have the procedure done.
As a dialysis technician, you will be in charge of setting up a dialysis machine for your patients. The machine has components that include many membranes, which act as filters, and a liquid that is called dialysate. While the patient is undergoing dialysis, the membranes will filter out waste from the blood. The waste is removed to the dialysate. That fluid is then pumped out and filtered blood is pumped back into the patient.
While patients receive this procedure, they often have the use of a recliner or couch. They can read, listen to music, play on their tablet, or even take a nap. In most cases, patients will have no problems with the process. However, sometimes a patient may feel dizzy or experience muscle cramps.
Kidney Dialysis Technology
Patients who have dialysis at home will be provided the supplies needed, while those who visit a medical facility will use the equipment that is located there. In the case of the patient in the hospital, a technician will be there to monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
Education in Dialysis
If you are interested in learning more about dialysis, you might be an excellent candidate for a dialysis technician education program.
