When PD patients travel, what guidance should they follow?

• A. Avoid traveling unless within driving distance of the clinic.
• B. Travel is discouraged and patients should switch to in-center dialysis while traveling.
• C. Plan ahead for supplies, maintain aseptic technique, ensure access to medical care if complications arise, and carry a backup plan for treatment.
• D. Only carry one spare pouch of supplies to reduce weight.

Answer: (C)

Traveling with PD requires careful preparation because PD exchanges rely on sterile technique and a steady supply of specific materials. The best guidance is to plan ahead for supplies, maintain aseptic technique, ensure access to medical care if complications arise, and carry a backup plan for treatment. Planning ahead means arranging or shipping enough sterile solutions, bags, gloves, and other supplies to the travel destination or arranging local pickup, so you aren’t left short if there are delays. Maintaining aseptic technique is crucial in any setting, especially when you’re outside your home environment, to prevent infections like peritonitis. Having access to medical care means knowing where PD- or catheter-friendly clinics or hospitals are at your destination and having emergency contact information for your dialysis team. A backup plan for treatment gives you a clear path if supplies are delayed or you can’t access your usual setup—whether that means a temporary switch to a different dialysis option or coordinated support to resume PD quickly. This approach keeps you safe and maintains continuity of care while traveling.