Dialysis

The UCSF Dialysis Center provides dialysis, a lifesaving treatment for patients with chronic kidney failure. The center is a hospital-based unit with 14 dialysis stations. We offer hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatments to a diverse group of adult patients who have chronic – or long-term – kidney failure.

Dialysis does the work of the kidneys by cleansing the blood – removing waste and excess water. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the patient's blood is passed through an artificial kidney machine, and the procedure is performed in a hospital or similar facility. In peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the blood is filtered within the patient's abdomen and the dialysis fluid is exchanged through a catheter. Patients can do CAPD at home.

Dialysis care at UCSF is provided by a team of professionals, including nephrologists (physicians specializing in kidney diseases), registered nurses, certified hemodialysis technicians, registered dietitians and a clinical social worker. Our goal is to maintain and improve the overall health and quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease. To maintain our high standards of operation and patient care, we continually monitor patient satisfaction and the quality of our clinical services.