
Dialysis Center
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.
Doctor referral required
Our locations
Our team
Awards & recognition
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Best hospital in Northern California
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Best in Northern California in nephrology
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes

International Services
If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

Interpreters
UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.

Hospital Stays
Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
Zion.

Your Doctor Visit
See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.
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