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Allied Health World Home  |  Dialysis Technician Jobs

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Dialysis Tech Jobs

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 26th, 2010

What is the job of a dialysis technician?

Many people are unaware that dialysis technician jobs even exist, let alone understand what the responsibilities of this job include. This rewarding health care job involves caring for dialysis patients and operating kidney dialysis equipment. Dialysis patients have kidneys that no longer function correctly in making urine or removing excess waste from the body. The dialysis process helps those with non-functioning kidneys stay alive by removing the waste and extra fluids from the blood. There are two main types of dialysis. Hemodialysis patients are treated with a machine that has a special filter in which their blood is passed through. After the blood is filtered it is returned to the patient’s body. Peritoneal Dialysis is the other form of dialysis and involves a patient having a tube inserted into their abdomen to use the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity as a filter.

Are there different types of dialysis technician jobs?

Within this field there are a few different types of techs. Clinical dialysis technicians focus on patient care, including the set up process for the patient to undergo dialysis, monitoring them during dialysis, and concluding the process. They monitor the patient’s vital signs and run tests on the blood to ensure the waste is being removed properly. Dialysis techs also educate patients and their families on how to use the dialysis equipment, since oftentimes patients undergo this process at home.

What other healthcare professionals do dialysis techs work with?

Dialysis techs work with all members of the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patient health care team including physicians, nurses, dietitians, and social workers. Biomedical technicians, oftentimes referred to as Equipment Techs, fix and calibrate dialysis equipment, mix dialysate, and oversee the water treatment system.

Where are dialysis techs employed?

Dialysis tech jobs can be found at freestanding dialysis clinics, hospital dialysis units, physician’s offices, or home health care where they see the patients in their homes. Today, an increased amount of dialysis techs are needed due to the number of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) being on the rise.

Are there other titles for this profession?

Dialysis techs can be referred to as hemodialysis techs, biomedical techs, nephrology techs, and patient care techs.