Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-11
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Hong Kong currently has over 8,000 patients with end-stage kidney disease, with thousands requiring long-term peritoneal dialysis to artificially remove waste and toxins from the body, compensating for lost kidney function. Thanks to advances in medical technology, if you prefer to avoid frequent hospital visits, home dialysis—often called ‘belly washing’—is a viable option. Curious about the cost of a dialysis machine? What are the risks of doing it yourself? The Bowtie team has curated all the essential details to help you tackle this chronic condition with confidence!
Why Do You Need a Dialysis Machine?
When kidney function drops to 10% to 15% due to disease, it loses its purification ability, causing waste fluids to build up in the blood and leading to symptoms like high blood pressure, blood in urine, and swelling.
At this stage, doctors often recommend “dialysis” treatment, where a dialysis machine takes over the kidney’s role to keep your body functioning normally.
Differences Between CAPD and APD?
There are two types of peritoneal dialysis that can be done at home: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD):
| Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) | Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) | |
| Process | First, inject 1 to 2 liters of dialysis fluid into the abdomen. After 4 to 8 hours, drain the used fluid out, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, then inject fresh fluid again. | Before bedtime, connect the tube to the dialysis machine, which automatically performs the peritoneal dialysis steps overnight for 8 to 10 hours. Disconnect in the morning. |
| Advantages | More affordable | Automated by the machine |
| Disadvantages | Requires manual operation | Requires purchasing an additional dialysis machine |
Costs of Home Dialysis?
Since the peritoneal cavity is a sterile environment, it must be carefully maintained to prevent bacteria from entering and causing inflammation.
So, if you’re planning to do dialysis at home, you’ll need to buy sufficient disinfection supplies like gauze and alcohol, costing about HK$1,000 per month.
Additionally, patients need to prepare dialysis fluid (commonly called “peritoneal dialysis solution”), but with subsidies from the Hospital Authority, you only pay for delivery—HK$150 each time, about 3 times a month.
How Much Does a Dialysis Machine Cost?
If you choose Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), in addition to the above expenses, you’ll need to buy an APD machine, which costs up to HK$80,000.
However, if you meet certain criteria, you can borrow an automatic dialysis machine for free from the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation or the Hong Kong Jockey Club, paying only about HK$3,000 to HK$5,000 monthly for accessories, insurance, and maintenance.
Is Home Dialysis Risky?
The risks of home peritoneal dialysis are similar to those of hemodialysis, but in comparison, peritoneal dialysis is gentler. For one, it avoids the pain of needle insertions, and secondly, it flexibly fits your personal lifestyle without the need for frequent hospital visits.
That said, patients must strictly learn and follow self-care techniques; otherwise, there’s a chance of bacterial infection, raising the risk of peritonitis.
Dialysis Costs in Public & Private Facilities
If personal reasons prevent you from doing home dialysis, you can consider treatment at hospitals or dialysis centers.
According to the Hospital Authority , the peritoneal dialysis fee at public hospitals is HK$96.
If you’d prefer private institutions, Bowtie has compiled fees from up to 13 private hospitals and medical centers to help you pick the best option for yourself.
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