You need dialysis when you develop kidney failure which occurs when you lose about 85% to 90% of your kidney function and have a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of <15.
Dialysis is prescribed when other treatments for chronic kidney failure are insufficient (kidney transplant is another option at this stage), or if your kidneys have about 10%-15% of function remaining. In chronic kidney failure, your doctor may recommend dialysis when certain complications, such as low urine production or heart failure, develop. Dialysis may be a short- or long-term treatment, depending on the conditions that cause kidney failure.
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