How a Peritoneal Dialysis Exchange Works
What happens during a peritoneal dialysis exchange, step by step.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
A peritoneal dialysis exchange drains used fluid from the abdomen and replaces it with fresh fluid through a catheter.
The basics
- Drain the used fluid
- Fill with fresh dialysis fluid
- The fresh fluid dwells while waste is drawn out
Frequently asked questions
Is a PD exchange painful?
It should not be painful once you are trained; report any pain or cloudy fluid to your team.