What is hemodialysis?

This treatment is usually done in a dialysis facility but can be done at home with the proper training and supplies. HD uses a special filter (called a dialyzer or artificial kidney) to clean your blood. The filter connects to a machine. During treatment, your blood flows through tubes into the filter to clean out wastes and extra fluids. Then the newly cleaned blood flows through another set of tubes and back into your body (See dialysis and peritoneal dialysis.).