Name two major dialysis modalities.

• A. Hemodialysis only
• B. In-center hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (including CAPD/APD)
• C. Peritoneal dialysis only
• D. Continuous renal replacement therapy

Answer: (B)

Dialysis helps remove waste and extra fluid when kidneys can’t. There are two broad ways to achieve this: hemodialysis, which filters blood through a machine outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the peritoneal membrane inside the abdomen as the filtering surface with dialysis solution. In-center hemodialysis refers to getting this treatment at a clinic, while peritoneal dialysis includes CAPD (continuous ambulatory PD) and APD (automated PD), which are usually done at home or overnight. Saying in-center hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (including CAPD/APD) captures the two main modalities used for long-term kidney failure management. Continuous renal replacement therapy is used mainly in critically ill patients and isn’t considered one of the primary chronic dialysis options.