How many hours after dialysis should I wait before taking the tape/gauze, and the bandaids off of my fistula?

Sharon,

The fistula bandage and tape should be safe to remove within 8-12 hours after dialysis. If you have AM dialysis, it should be safe to remove the dressing before you go to bed. If you have PM or evening dialysis, then first time in the AM should be fine. Watch to make sure you have no re-bleeding from the sites. You can remove the dialysis apply dressing before bed and always sleep with a clean set of loose bandaids just to be safe during the night. The idea is just to protect the scab from trauma. The dressings need to be removed by the next day. If the dressings are soiled with blood, that can lead to an infection. Proper skin care post dialysis and on off dialysis days is very important to preventing infections. Good arm washing at home and at dialysis will help to keep infections away.

Deborah