Taking dialysis to exciting, new places1

The portability and flexibility of the NxStage System One, combined with support programs for centers and patients, bring new levels of freedom and control to home hemodialysis patients. A growing number of NxStage System One users have taken advantage of the ability to travel, taking the system along in their cars, RVs, on conventional (non-dialysis) ocean cruises, and via commercial airlines.
Please note that due to regulatory requirements only travel within the United States can be supported by NxStage at this time.

Auto Travel
The NxStage System One’s design and capabilities make it well suited for driving trips of short duration.

• Patients are responsible for transporting their cycler, cartridges, fluids, and accessories for local trips of 3 days or less.  We recommend the NxStage System One be handled by two people when lifting or moving it.
• Upon receipt of a physician's prescription, NxStage can arrange to ship fluids to the patient’s destination for trips of 4 days or longer. NxStage customer service can help with the details.
• NxStage offers a soft-sided, durable travel bag with sturdy nylon side handles, wheels, and a pop-up handle, which can be used for local travel.2  Some patients have chosen to purchase one for their own use (interested patients should contact their center or NxStage Customer Service).  Additonally, some dialysis centers choose to buy one or a few to share among patients.

Domestic Air Travel
While commercial air travel with the System One is slightly more complex than car travel, it has been done successfully by a growing number of users.  Key considerations include:

The cycler must be checked and shipped in the plane’s luggage compartment.  It can be packed in its original packaging materials to protect it or in the rigid aluminum case designed specifically for airplane travel with the System One.  Some patients have chosen to purchase one for their own use (interested patients should contact their center or NxStage Customer Service). Additonally, some dialysis centers choose to buy one to share among patients.

• Upon receipt of a physician's prescription, NxStage will make arrangements to ship the needed cartridges and fluid bags to the patient’s destination. 
• The patient is responsible to either ship or pack in personal luggage the minor accessories, such as saline and the I.V. pole. 
• Patients should contact their center prior to airline travel to understand the steps needed to travel successfully.  A travel guidelines packet is also available from NxStage.  Please contact NxStage customer service to request this packet or for assistance with any questions.  Customer Service may be reached at customerservice@nxstage.com or at 1-866-NXSTAGE. 

For additional information on traveling with assistive devices, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) web site at http://www.dot.gov/.  The DOT oversees air travel and Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 382, entitled Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel provides valuable information. 

Home Dialysis Central has also published a travel article, Leaving on a Jet Plane: Flying with a PD Cycler or NxStage System One.  Visit http://www.homedialysis.org/resources/tom/200606/ to view this informative article that is packed with travel tips.

1. Due to certain regulatory and other factors, only travel within the United States can be supported by NxStage.

2. The soft-sided travel case containing the cycler should never be checked as luggage and put into an airplane's cargo hold.  It is not designed for use as checked baggage and significant damage to the cycler can occur in this situation.  The patient or center may be liable for repair or replacement of the cycler.