Definition: Dialysis is a medical process that is used when a person's kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter toxins from the blood. There are two kinds of dialysis:
Hemodialysis is done at a dialysis center. A dialysis machine filters the blood and infuses it back into the body. It's a 3- or 4-hour process that must be done 2 or 3 times a week. People on dialysis usually have a port or shunt surgically implanted into their arm or chest for use with the dialysis machine.
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home. It requires a high level of commitment because it must be done every day.
