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Standard in-centre haemodialysis runs 3-4 hours, typically 3 sessions per week. Home haemodialysis may use shorter, more frequent sessions (5-6 times per week for 2-2.5 hours) or nocturnal dialysis (6-8 hours overnight). Your nephrologist prescribes the duration based on adequacy targets.
Kt/V is the measure of dialysis adequacy — how thoroughly waste products are cleared. K is the dialyser clearance, t is time, V is the patient's volume. Longer sessions improve adequacy. The minimum target is Kt/V of 1.2 per session for thrice-weekly dialysis.
Shortening sessions below prescribed time reduces adequacy and increases mortality risk. Studies show each 10-minute reduction in session time correlates with measurable worsening of outcomes. Only your nephrologist should adjust session length based on monthly adequacy testing.
Many patients watch TV, read, sleep, or work on a laptop during sessions. Light activities that don't involve the access arm are fine. Walking to the toilet is possible with portable machines. Avoid heavy meals immediately before or during dialysis as it can cause intradialytic hypotension.
Restrict fluid intake to limit interdialytic weight gain to 1-1.5kg per day. Most centres prescribe a 1-1.5 litre daily fluid limit including food moisture. Your dietitian will set individual targets based on residual kidney function and fluid removal capacity.