renal dialysis [L, ren, kidney; Gk, dia + lysis, loosening] , a process of diffusing blood across a semipermeable membrane to remove substances that a normal kidney would eliminate, including poisons, drugs, urea, uric acid, and creatinine. Renal dialysis may restore electrolytes and acid-base imbalances. See also continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis.
