Haemodialysis - GCSE Biology Definition

Haemodialysis is a medical treatment used to help people whose kidneys are not working properly. It involves using a machine, called a dialysis machine, to clean the blood. During the process, blood is taken from the body into the machine where it passes through a special filter called a dialyser. This filter removes waste products and extra fluids from the blood, because the kidneys aren't able to do this job effectively. After the blood is cleaned, it is returned to the body. People usually have haemodialysis several times a week, and each session can take a few hours. Haemodialysis is important because it helps keep the body's systems balanced when the kidneys can no longer do so on their own.