A dialysis catheter is a catheter used for exchanging blood to and from a hemodialysis machine and a patient. Hemodialysis catheters used for temporary access are typically used for less than 21 days. These types of catheters are usually two or three lumens in design. The third lumen is useful for administration of fluids, antibiotics, medicines, or contrast without having to find other places for intravenous access. This type of catheter is useful for initiating venous access for acute renal failure patients quickly for dialysis before a permanent catheter is inserted for long term access.