04/01/2022
Daily care of AV fistula
The Do’s
Reduce risk of infection by washing hands with soap and water both before and after touching AV fistula.
Keep skin around fistula clean by washing it with antibacterial soap often, especially before dialysis. Clean the fistula by washing and gently patting it dry.
After incision has healed, strengthen your arm by exercising it, as per by your doctor’s instructions.
Check the pulse (thrill) in your AV fistula 3 times daily – morning, afternoon and evening by both listening to the AV fistula and by feeling it. Any change in sound should be reported to your doctor. In order to feel for changes in the blood flow place fingers over fistula and monitor the motion of blood. The thrill should feel the same each time.
Use your access for dialysis only.
Look for redness or swelling around fistula area.
Avoid injury to the arm and protect it.
Ensure proper nutrition in order to keep your general health optimal.
The Don’ts
Do not let anyone start an IV line or draw blood from AVF arm.
Do not let anyone take blood pressure from AVF arm.
Do not sleep on AVF arm.
Do not carry heavy weights with AVF arm (no more than 10 lbs).
Do not wear a watch, bracelet or tight clothes over AV fistula.
Do not allow straps or handles tighten around the fistula, it is best to avoid carrying a purse or bag on that arm.
Seek medical advice immediately if:
There is bleeding from AV fistula
There are any signs of infection, or any changes in appearance to the skin, such as swelling, red skin, pus or if the skin around the AV fistula is warm to the touch.
There is bulging over the AV fistula or in your hand.
If you have a fever of above 100.5ºF (38ºC), or chills.
The pulse (thrill) in your AV fistula is slower than normal, or if you cannot feel a pulse.
Your hands or legs are numb, cold to the touch or weak.
There is swelling to your arm, leg, face or neck.
Enlarged veins appear on upper arm or chest.
There is an increase in venous pressure during dialysis or a decrease in blood flowing through AV fistula.
There is prolonged bleeding after removal of dialysis needles.
There are changes in your monthly lab results.
