When you book dialysis abroad, the centre will ask whether you have HD or HDF. Here is the difference in simple words.
Haemodialysis (HD)
Your blood passes through a filter called a dialyser. Waste products move from the blood into the dialysis fluid mainly by diffusion, from where they are more concentrated to where they are less concentrated. This is very effective for small molecules such as urea and potassium.
Haemodiafiltration (HDF)
HDF combines diffusion with convection: a larger amount of fluid is pushed through the filter and replaced by a sterile solution. This helps remove larger molecules as well. It needs a machine and a water system designed for it.
What to tell the centre abroad
- Your treatment type: HD or HDF
- Session duration and number of sessions per week
- Your dialyser, blood flow and anticoagulation
- Your dry weight
If you are on HDF at home but HDF is not available at your destination, a few sessions of standard HD are usually acceptable. Ask your nephrologist.
Learn more
Before booking, read 12 questions to ask a centre abroad.
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Useful resources
This article is general information and does not replace the advice of your nephrologist or renal team.