Skip to main content
    Thrive On
    Discuss home hemodialysis with your doctor.

    What Is In-Center Hemodiafiltration?

    Reviewed by Medical Contributor Dinesh K. Chatoth, MD, FASN on May XX, 2025.
    Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is the optimal in-center treatment for kidney failure at end stage renal disease (ESRD). HDF combines hemodialysis with an additional filtration process, called hemofiltration, to remove waste and toxins from your blood using a machine called a machinename. This advanced, dual process cleans your blood better so you can feel better—right after treatment and beyond.

    How does in-center hemodiafiltration work?

    If you choose in-center HDF, you'll typically go to a kidney dialysis center 3 times per week for about 4 hours each visit. Your doctor will prescribe your treatment based on your unique needs. Staying for your full HDF session each time will help you get the most out of treatment.

    How kidneys function

    During treatment, you'll be connected to the HDF machine via your hemodialysis access. Your blood will then be filtered outside of your body, using both hemodialysis and hemofiltration to remove unwanted waste, toxins and excess fluid. The clean, chemically balanced blood will be returned to your body.

    Your care team will be there to supervise treatment and provide support throughout your appointment.

    What are the benefits of hemodiafiltration?
    Because HDF uses both hemodialysis and hemofiltration to clean your blood better, you'll also feel better.

    Here are some advantages of choosing HDF:

    • More engergy
    • Better sleep
    • Less fatigue after treatment
    • Improved overall health
    • Less mental decline
    Hemodialysis partner.

    Talking to your doctor about HDF

    Your doctor can help you better understand hemodiafiltration and whether it's right for you. Here are 5 topics to cover at your next appointment:

    • How HDF could support your treatment goals
    • Any access considerations for doing HDF
    • What would change from your current treatment
    • How you can expect to feel after HDF
    • Ways your health can improve with HDF

    Answers to common questions about hemodiafiltration

    HDF is the optimal in-center treatment option for most people with ESRD. Your doctor can discuss the benefits of hemodiafiltration with you.

    Yes, most people doing in-center hemodialysis can do HDF. Talk to your doctor about whether switching is right for you and when hemodiafiltration will be available at your dialysis center. It will take a few weeks to transition from dialysis to HDF.

    Good news. Hemodiafiltration uses the same access type as standard hemodialysis. If you have questions about your access site, reach out to your doctor and make sure you have the best access for you.

    There are a few things you can do to get the most benefit from your hemodiafiltration treatment. First, follow your treatment schedule exactly as your doctor prescribes. Staying for the full treatment will help you feel your best. Following your care team’s instructions on eating well, limiting fluids, and taking medications as prescribed will also help.
    A chronic kidney disease screening.
    “My son's mom noticed that I've been going out more and spending more time with them.”
    —Eduardo
    On HDF