What is the function of a dialysis machine?

The function of a dialysis machine is to filter blood outside the body and remove waste products. This process is crucial for patients with kidney failure or significant kidney impairment, as their kidneys cannot effectively perform these functions. The dialysis machine mimics the filtration process that typically occurs in healthy kidneys by removing toxins, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood. This helps maintain the balance of various substances in the body and prevents complications associated with kidney disease, such as fluid overload and the accumulation of harmful waste products.

This choice is fundamental to the understanding of dialysis, as it emphasizes the machine's role in blood purification and its importance in treatment for individuals with renal failure.