With hemodialysis, your treatment length and frequency depends on your doctor’s prescription and where you receive your treatment.
Home hemodialysis can be done 5 to 6 days a week for 2 to 3 hours each, 3 days a week for 3 to 5 hours, or for 6 to 8 hours while you sleep every night or every other night. You may also require longer treatments or a different weekly number of treatments, depending on your unique condition.
In-center hemodialysis is typically done 3 times a week for 3 to 5 hours during the day or 8 hours for nocturnal hemodialysis.
With peritoneal dialysis, the length of treatment will depend on whether you choose continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, CAPD or automated peritoneal dialysis, APD.
CAPD treatments are done manually, without a machine, about 3 to 5 times per day.
APD uses a machine called a cycler and can be done as a longer single session while you sleep, as multiple shorter sessions during the day or night, or as a combination of these options.
Dialysis treatment is prescribed by your doctor. Together, you and your doctor will discuss treatment options and determine what’s right for you. If you decide to go on dialysis, your doctor will prescribe your treatment time and frequency based on your unique health needs. It’s important to complete your dialysis treatment exactly as prescribed to feel your best.