How to prepare
for the first dialysis?
First hemodialysis
Make sure you are ready for your appointment.
Step 1
Documents
Be sure to bring your treatment referral and personal ID. These are basic documents that you should bring with you.
Step 2
Laboratory test results
Bring current and previous laboratory test results (most of all: creatinine, urea, potassium, peripheral blood counts, urinalysis).
Step 3
Other tests and medical documents
Do not forget about the results of abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, gastroscopy or colonoscopy, and hospital discharge reports. It is best to bring all medical documents that you have.
Step 4
Medications
Have a list of all medications and supplements (with doses) you are currently taking with you. You may also take your medications with you and show them to the doctor during your visit. If you are taking insulin, make sure you have it with you.
Step 5
Health diaries
If you have health diaries tracking blood pressure, glucose levels, body weight, bring them with you.
Step 6
Outfit
Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable footwear (preferably slip-on). The first hemodialysis session is usually shorter than a standard one, which takes about 4 hours, but it's better when you feel comfortable during it. It is important that the medical team has easy access to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or dialysis catheter (CVC). For AVF, clothes with short or loose long sleeves works best; and in the case of CVC—a buttoned shirt or dress.
Step 7
Transport
At the centre, we will introduce you to the medical team, familiarise you with the centre's layout and offer a small locker where you can store your personal belongings.
Step 8
Welcome
At the centre, we will introduce you to the medical team, familiarise you with the centre's layout and offer a small locker where you can store your personal belongings.
Step 9
Medical records
Before your first dialysis treatment, your doctor will discuss the reasons why you should be treated, and provide you with basic information about the treatment method and potential complications. Then we will ask you to sign: consent for treatment, authorisation to provide information about your health to selected parties, a document informing about how we collect and protect your medical data.
Step 10
Treatment
Standard hemodialysis procedures take about 4 hours. The first two or three treatments may be slightly shorter. We do not recommend eating or drinking during hemodialysis. You can do it before or after the procedure.
Step 11
After the treatment
When your hemodialysis treatment is complete, we disconnect you from the dialysis machine and ask you to wait a moment for the rest of the patients who are using the same transport.