[ Browse by Service Category : Topics Related to Hemodialysis (9) ]
Kidney Screening
Programs that offer any of a variety of tests which determine whether an individual shows signs of decline in kidney function at an early enough stage that progression to more severe forms of kidney disease can be delayed or prevented. Included are blood pressure checks; a blood test for creatinine which estimates the glomerular filtration rate (the rate at which waste is being filtered by the kidneys); and a urine test (urinalysis or microalbumin) which looks for unusually large amounts of protein being excreted. Screening is particularly important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, as well as for older adults and people of African, Asian, Latin American, or Pacific Island descent.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Programs that provide instruction or direct assistance for people who have impaired kidney function and who utilize a saline solution which is infused by catheter into the abdomen where the peritoneum acts as a semipermeable membrane between the solution and the blood in the abdominal vessels in order to cleanse the blood. The fluid is removed after two to three hours.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.