Dialysis guides
Vascular access & safety
Dialysis Emergency Plan: What to Do in a Power Outage, Fire, Earthquake or Flood
A practical emergency plan for people on in-center hemodialysis: what to pack in a go-bag, who to call if your clinic closes, how to…
Living Alone on Dialysis: A Practical Safety Plan
Plenty of people on dialysis live alone and do well. A practical safety plan: daily check-ins, backup rides, bleeding and emergency steps, what to…
Dialysis Catheter Shower Covers: 3 Waterproof Options to Compare
Compare three dialysis catheter shower-cover options by size, format, and practical use, plus what to confirm with your dialysis team before showering.
What Is Infiltration During Dialysis? Signs to Know and What to Do
What is infiltration in dialysis? Learn why a fistula or graft needle can infiltrate, signs such as swelling or pain, and why dialysis staff…
Hand Hygiene and Dialysis: Why It’s Emphasized So Much
See why hand hygiene is emphasized so heavily in dialysis units, how it helps reduce infection risk, and how patients can participate in protecting…
How to Protect Your Fistula or Graft: Everyday Do’s and Don’ts
Everyday habits can help protect a fistula or graft between treatments. Learn what to keep pressure off, what changes to notice, and what should…
Can You Shower With a Dialysis Catheter? What Patients Need to Know
Can you shower with a dialysis catheter? Learn why the dressing must stay dry, how shower instructions can vary, and what to do if…
Can You Swim With a Dialysis Access?
Can you swim with a dialysis fistula, graft, or catheter? Learn how access type changes the answer, where swimming may be safer, and what…
Fistula vs. Graft vs. Catheter: Understanding Hemodialysis Access
Fistula vs. graft vs. catheter: compare the three main hemodialysis access types, how each works, infection and clotting considerations, and everyday access care.