There are pros and cons with each dialysis option. Each person is different and they need to work with their family and healthcare team to decide which will work best for them. For many, dialysis at home is more flexible than at a center, but there are also more responsibilities.
This chart compares each of the choices:
|
|
In Center |
Home |
|
|
|
Conventional or Nocturnal |
Conventional, Short Daily, or Nocturnal* |
CAPD/CCPD (peritoneal dialysis) |
|
Portable |
No |
Depends on machine |
Yes |
|
Travel possible |
With advance planning |
With portable machine |
Yes |
|
Needles used |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Training time |
None |
4-6 weeks (depending on system) |
1-2 weeks |
|
Amount of storage space |
Not applicable |
Depends on machine from 10 to 80 boxes |
Monthly supply shipments of 30-60 boxes |
|
Bathing or swimming allowed |
Yes, per doctor |
Yes, per doctor |
No or limited |
|
Changes to home wiring or plumbing |
Not applicable |
Depends on machine |
No |
*There are currently no systems specifically indicated for nocturnal hemodialysis.
