Access infection can become bloodstream infection quickly, so the threshold for calling your care team should be low.
What to know
- Redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness around the access or exit site.
- Any discharge, pus or a bad smell.
- Fever, chills or rigors — particularly if they start during or shortly after a session.
- Feeling generally unwell with no other explanation, especially with a catheter.
- Call immediately. Do not wait for the next scheduled session.
Talk to your care team
This topic is part of Vascular Access Care, one of ten modules in the Trivita Learning Hub. If anything here contradicts what your own nephrologist or dialysis nurse has told you, follow your care team — they know your prescription, your access and your history.
Trivita's dialysis nurses answer our care line 24 hours a day on 055 242 1070, including for people who are not yet our patients.
Education, not medical advice. This page explains home hemodialysis in general terms for patients and care partners in the UAE. It is reviewed by Trivita's Medical Director but cannot account for your individual circumstances. Never change a prescription, medication or technique based on this page alone.