Dialysis works by filtering toxins, waste and fluid from your blood through a semipermeable membrane. The 2 types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, use different methods to filter blood. With hemodialysis, the filtering membrane is called a dialyzer and is inside a dialysis machine.

How does dialysis work simple?

The kidneys act as filters for the body, removing waste from the blood and getting rid of it via the urine. If your kidneys are not working properly, waste can build up in your blood. Dialysis can help damaged kidneys by performing the task of filtering.

How long can you live on dialysis?

Average life expectancy on dialysis is 5-10 years, however, many patients have lived well on dialysis for 20 or even 30 years. Talk to your healthcare team about how to take care of yourself and stay healthy on dialysis.