The hemodialysis machine houses a computer, a pump, a dialyzer or filter, and dialysate or dialysis solution. The machine’s computer monitors blood flow, blood pressure, and how much fluid is removed from your body during your treatment. The pump moves the blood from your body, to the dialyzer, and then back to your body.
The dialyzer acts as a replacement kidney during your treatment. It is a hollow plastic tube made up of many tiny filters. A semi permeable (sponge like) membrane separates the blood from the dialysate fluid. The dialysate fluid pulls waste products from the blood. This process allows extra body water and wastes to be removed from the blood. The dialysate with poisons and extra water flows to the drain, the cleaned blood is returned to your body. The dialysis machine also has many safety detection features.
Some dializers are one time use and throw and others can be used two to three times. The one time dialyzers are costliers and has less thicker filters.