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IntroductionIn hemodialysis patients, bleeding time after fistula cannulation is an easy and fairly used method of monitoring vascular access. In most cases, compression is performed manually by nurses, and use of hemostatic dressings is common. As data in the literature are scarce, we decided to develop a quality improvement program in our hemodialysis center to manage this issue.Material and methodsAfter informed consent, 35 hemodialysis outpatients were selected to study bleeding time with and without hemostatic dressings for a 2-week period, using a cross-over design. The dialysis schedule was unchanged and comparative analysis of parameters such as blood flow rate and anticoagulant treatment was done between the groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference in compression times with or without hemostatic dressings (12.6 mins and 12.9 mins, respectively). Patients on anticoagulation during the dialysis session greater than 0.35 IU/kg/session had longer bleeding times (12.75 mins vs 11.75 mins; p=0.008).ConclusionIn our evaluation, the use of hemostatic dressings was not associated with an effective decrease in bleeding time. Their use generates an additional cost estimated on average at €164/year/patient. Patients and the care team realized that compression time is important for fistula monitoring, and using compresses does not have a significant effect on this time.