Information on Dialysis Centers

Thousands of dialysis clinics are located throughout the United States, providing patients with treatment for decreased renal function. The process of dialysis requires a trained individual to hook a patient to a dialysis machine to filter his or her blood.

Staffing at a Dialysis Clinic?

A dialysis clinic features a staff trained and certified in kidney-related ailments or possess a certification allowing them to perform dialysis. The individuals who actually perform the procedure are technicians, oftentimes referred to as hemodialysis technicians, dialysis technicians or a nephrology technicians. Oftentimes, nurses who specialize in renal therapy are the providers of the treatment. Although a nephrologist does not see the patient each visit, they are onsite and followup with the dialysis patients on a monthly basis. A social worker may also work one on one with the clinic to assist patients with employment issues and to provide support.

Treatment Process of a Dialysis Clinic

The treatment a dialysis clinic supplies patients with a treatment via a machine that basically washes their blood. The blood exits the body while an acid solution consisting of purified water, an acid and bicarbonate—the solution is referred to as dialysate—assists in purifying the blood. A nurse gives patients a blood thinner, known as heparin, to alleviate clotting induced by the treatment.

Location/Ownership of Dialysis Clinics

Most dialysis treatment centers are located within hospitals; however, some clinics belong to chains. These chains include medical companies, such as Davita and Fresenius Medical Care.