What tests indicate whether I'm getting the right amount of dialysis?

National Kidney Foundation

One of the measures your dialysis care team may use is called urea reduction ratio (URR). Another measure is called Kt/V (pronounced kay tee over vee). Ask your dialysis care team what measure they use and what your number is. To make sure that you are getting enough dialysis, your Kt/V should be at least 1.2, or your URR should be at least 65%.

Continue Learning about Dialysis

Katrina Bramstedt, PhD

Artificial life support are forms of medical technology used when your vital organ systems are faili...

Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital

If you are on dialysis, it’s important to handle food carefully to avoid contamination: Wash you...

American Diabetes Association

Your doctor will help you decide whether hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is right for you. Diabe...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Dialysis is a treatment for advanced kidney failure, which can be fatal if left untreated. When kidn...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Dialysis

Healthy kidneys remove waste from your blood and produce hormones your body needs. If your kidneys fail, you either need a kidney transplant or dialysis. Dialysis is a procedure that uses a machine to perform many of the functions of the kidney. Dialysis can help prevent problems resulting from kidney failure and it allows people with kidney failure to live productive lives. Dialysis filters your blood, and like a health kidney, removes waste from your blood. Patients using dialysis are also required to follow a strict diet in order to stay healthy. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. There are different advantages and disadvantages with both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Talk to your doctor about which type of dialysis would work better for you.

Learn More