Hemodialysis

The principle of hemodialysis (UK: haemodialysis) is somewhat different. It works by having the blood flow along one side of a semipermeable membrane, with the dialysis solution flowing along the other side. Due to the difference in osmolarity between the two liquids, water traverses the membrane in order to dilute the dialysis liquid, carrying along the unwanted blood contents.

The dialysing fluid is used at body temperature, and consists of a solution of glucose, amino acids and mineral ions. The solution is sterilized.