TN 28 (07-95)

A. Definitions

1. Dialysis

Dialysis is a process by which dissolved substances are removed from a patient's body by diffusion from one fluid compartment to another across a semipermeable membrane because the patient's kidneys have permanently lost the capacity to perform this function.

2. Course of dialysis

A course of dialysis starts when dialysis treatments begin and continue on a regular schedule for the treatment of ESRD

B. Kinds of dialysis

The two types of dialysis currently in common use are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis includes intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD), continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

NOTE: Hemodialysis is generally required 1 to 3 times per week. IPD is usually required from 10 to 30 hours a week. CCPD and CAPD are generally required daily.

Some individuals with ESRD can get along with dialysis less frequently than is shown above.

• Temporary remission may reduce the frequency of dialysis for several weeks or more.

• Age, or the presence of a secondary medical problem may make it inadvisable to give dialysis at the regular frequencies shown above.