Home/Education

Dialysis Education Library

Dialysis Education Library

A static library of 124 original dialysis education pages for patients, caregivers, hospitals, and dialysis centers. Every article includes visible reference URLs from authoritative sources.

124 article URLs 22 source references Reviewed: 2026-05-16
Important: These pages are informational and should not be used as personal medical advice. Dialysis decisions should be made with a qualified kidney care team.

Dialysis Basics

Dialysis Basics Articles

Foundational education on kidney failure, dialysis choices, care-team roles, and shared decision-making.

  • What dialysis does when kidneys failWhat dialysis does when kidneys fail: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dialysis versus kidney transplantDialysis versus kidney transplant: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis comparedHemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis compared: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • When kidney replacement therapy is discussedWhen kidney replacement therapy is discussed: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Conservative management and symptom-focused careConservative management and symptom-focused care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dialysis schedule basics for new patientsDialysis schedule basics for new patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Understanding dry weight in dialysis careUnderstanding dry weight in dialysis care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Common dialysis terms patients hearCommon dialysis terms patients hear: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • The dialysis care team and their rolesThe dialysis care team and their roles: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Shared decision-making before dialysis startsShared decision-making before dialysis starts: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Questions to ask before choosing dialysisQuestions to ask before choosing dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • How dialysis fits into long-term kidney failure careHow dialysis fits into long-term kidney failure care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis Articles

Detailed patient-friendly topics on in-center and home hemodialysis, treatment sessions, adequacy, and common symptoms.

  • In-center hemodialysis basicsIn-center hemodialysis basics: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Home hemodialysis overviewHome hemodialysis overview: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • What happens during a hemodialysis sessionWhat happens during a hemodialysis session: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dialyzer and dialysis machine basicsDialyzer and dialysis machine basics: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Blood flow and dialysate in hemodialysisBlood flow and dialysate in hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Treatment time and dialysis adequacyTreatment time and dialysis adequacy: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Ultrafiltration and fluid removalUltrafiltration and fluid removal: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Low blood pressure during hemodialysisLow blood pressure during hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Muscle cramps during hemodialysisMuscle cramps during hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Fatigue after hemodialysisFatigue after hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Missed or shortened dialysis treatmentsMissed or shortened dialysis treatments: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Changing dialysis modality after hemodialysisChanging dialysis modality after hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis Articles

Educational pages on CAPD, APD, exchanges, catheter care, peritonitis risk, adequacy, supplies, and home routines.

  • Peritoneal dialysis basicsPeritoneal dialysis basics: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • CAPD manual exchange overviewCAPD manual exchange overview: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Automated peritoneal dialysis and cyclersAutomated peritoneal dialysis and cyclers: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Peritoneal dialysis catheter placementPeritoneal dialysis catheter placement: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dwell time and exchange schedulesDwell time and exchange schedules: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dialysis solution strengths in PDDialysis solution strengths in PD: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Exit-site care for PD cathetersExit-site care for PD catheters: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Cloudy drain fluid and peritonitis concernsCloudy drain fluid and peritonitis concerns: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Storing peritoneal dialysis supplies at homeStoring peritoneal dialysis supplies at home: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Travel planning for peritoneal dialysisTravel planning for peritoneal dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Peritoneal dialysis adequacy monitoringPeritoneal dialysis adequacy monitoring: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Switching from PD to hemodialysisSwitching from PD to hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Vascular Access

Vascular Access Articles

Pages about AV fistulas, grafts, catheters, access planning, monitoring, cannulation, and infection warning signs.

  • AV fistula basics for hemodialysisAV fistula basics for hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • AV graft basics for hemodialysisAV graft basics for hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Central venous catheter basicsCentral venous catheter basics: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Planning vascular access before dialysisPlanning vascular access before dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Fistula maturation and readinessFistula maturation and readiness: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Thrill and bruit access checksThrill and bruit access checks: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Cannulation notes in dialysis recordsCannulation notes in dialysis records: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Needle infiltration during hemodialysisNeedle infiltration during hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Access stenosis and flow concernsAccess stenosis and flow concerns: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Signs of vascular access infectionSigns of vascular access infection: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Catheter dressing and line safetyCatheter dressing and line safety: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Protecting the dialysis access armProtecting the dialysis access arm: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Labs and Monitoring

Labs and Monitoring Articles

Educational explainers about common dialysis labs, treatment adequacy, blood pressure, weight trends, and viral markers.

  • Creatinine and eGFR before dialysisCreatinine and eGFR before dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • BUN and urea trends in dialysis careBUN and urea trends in dialysis care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Potassium monitoring for dialysis patientsPotassium monitoring for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Phosphorus monitoring in dialysisPhosphorus monitoring in dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Calcium balance in kidney failureCalcium balance in kidney failure: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Parathyroid hormone in dialysis careParathyroid hormone in dialysis care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Hemoglobin monitoring and anemiaHemoglobin monitoring and anemia: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Ferritin and TSAT iron studiesFerritin and TSAT iron studies: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Albumin and nutrition monitoringAlbumin and nutrition monitoring: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Bicarbonate and acid-base balanceBicarbonate and acid-base balance: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Blood pressure trends between treatmentsBlood pressure trends between treatments: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Interdialytic weight gain trackingInterdialytic weight gain tracking: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Kt/V and dialysis adequacyKt/V and dialysis adequacy: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Hepatitis and viral marker monitoringHepatitis and viral marker monitoring: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Diet and Fluid

Diet and Fluid Articles

Renal diet education topics covering sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, fluids, PD calories, labels, and dietitian visits.

  • Sodium and thirst in dialysisSodium and thirst in dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Fluid allowance conversationsFluid allowance conversations: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Potassium in a dialysis food planPotassium in a dialysis food plan: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Phosphorus and phosphate bindersPhosphorus and phosphate binders: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Protein needs during hemodialysisProtein needs during hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Protein needs during peritoneal dialysisProtein needs during peritoneal dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Calories and weight changes on PDCalories and weight changes on PD: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Reading food labels for kidney diseaseReading food labels for kidney disease: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Meal planning with a renal dietitianMeal planning with a renal dietitian: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Vegetarian eating on dialysisVegetarian eating on dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Diabetes and dialysis meal planningDiabetes and dialysis meal planning: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Managing thirst between dialysis sessionsManaging thirst between dialysis sessions: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dining out while on dialysisDining out while on dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Food diaries for dialysis patientsFood diaries for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Infection Prevention

Infection Prevention Articles

CDC-aligned education on hand hygiene, bloodstream infection prevention, catheter risk, peritonitis, vaccination, and speaking up.

  • Hand hygiene in dialysis careHand hygiene in dialysis care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Bloodstream infection risk in dialysisBloodstream infection risk in dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Why catheter access has higher infection riskWhy catheter access has higher infection risk: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • CDC core interventions for dialysis facilitiesCDC core interventions for dialysis facilities: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Dialysis station cleaning and disinfectionDialysis station cleaning and disinfection: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Hepatitis B vaccination in dialysis settingsHepatitis B vaccination in dialysis settings: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Respiratory infection precautions in dialysis unitsRespiratory infection precautions in dialysis units: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Peritonitis prevention in PD routinesPeritonitis prevention in PD routines: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • When dialysis patients should speak upWhen dialysis patients should speak up: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Monthly infection surveillance in dialysis facilitiesMonthly infection surveillance in dialysis facilities: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Recognizing access redness and drainageRecognizing access redness and drainage: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Patient questions about dialysis infection safetyPatient questions about dialysis infection safety: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Medicines, Anemia, and Bone-Mineral Care

Medicines, Anemia, and Bone-Mineral Care Articles

Medication safety topics including reconciliation, phosphate binders, ESAs, iron, blood pressure drugs, bone-mineral therapies, and OTC caution.

  • Medication reconciliation for dialysis patientsMedication reconciliation for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Phosphate binders and meal timing conversationsPhosphate binders and meal timing conversations: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in CKD anemiaErythropoiesis-stimulating agents in CKD anemia: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • IV iron monitoring in dialysis careIV iron monitoring in dialysis care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Blood pressure medicines and dialysis timingBlood pressure medicines and dialysis timing: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Diuretics after dialysis startsDiuretics after dialysis starts: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Vitamin D analogs in kidney failureVitamin D analogs in kidney failure: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Calcimimetics and parathyroid hormone controlCalcimimetics and parathyroid hormone control: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Heparin use during hemodialysisHeparin use during hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Over-the-counter medicine caution in CKDOver-the-counter medicine caution in CKD: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Diabetes medicines when kidneys failDiabetes medicines when kidneys fail: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Medication lists after transplant evaluationMedication lists after transplant evaluation: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Living With Dialysis

Living With Dialysis Articles

Supportive education on work, school, exercise, mental health, travel, caregivers, home training, emergency planning, and privacy.

  • Working while receiving dialysisWorking while receiving dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • School and dialysis planningSchool and dialysis planning: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Exercise conversations for dialysis patientsExercise conversations for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Mental health and dialysis adjustmentMental health and dialysis adjustment: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Sleep issues in dialysis patientsSleep issues in dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Sexual health and kidney failure conversationsSexual health and kidney failure conversations: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Travel planning for hemodialysisTravel planning for hemodialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Emergency preparedness for dialysis patientsEmergency preparedness for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Caregiver planning for dialysisCaregiver planning for dialysis: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Advance directives in kidney failure careAdvance directives in kidney failure care: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Home dialysis training expectationsHome dialysis training expectations: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Symptom diaries between dialysis sessionsSymptom diaries between dialysis sessions: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.

Dialysis Operations and Digital Records

Dialysis Operations and Digital Records Articles

Hospital and dialysis center topics on documentation, care coordination, reports, FHIR, education, audits, QAPI, role-based access, and privacy.

  • Dialysis session documentation checklistDialysis session documentation checklist: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Clinical notes for dialysis handoffsClinical notes for dialysis handoffs: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Care coordination between nephrology and dialysis staffCare coordination between nephrology and dialysis staff: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Referral reports for dialysis patientsReferral reports for dialysis patients: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • FHIR-ready dialysis data exchangeFHIR-ready dialysis data exchange: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Patient education libraries in dialysis portalsPatient education libraries in dialysis portals: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Audit readiness for dialysis recordsAudit readiness for dialysis records: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Quality improvement in dialysis centersQuality improvement in dialysis centers: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Water and dialysate safety documentationWater and dialysate safety documentation: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Role-based access in dialysis softwareRole-based access in dialysis software: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Patient privacy in dialysis portalsPatient privacy in dialysis portals: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.
  • Mobile app sync for dialysis patient recordsMobile app sync for dialysis patient records: a cited dialysis education article for patients, caregivers, and renal care teams, with references from authoritative kidney health sources.