Comparison of plastic fistula cannulae versus metal fistula needles in haemodialysis in-centre patients

The trial duration is four, one month treatment blocks. Each treatment block will be comprised of a one month period using either metal or plastic cannulisation devices. The double crossover design should allow for any bias attributable to unfamiliarity with the test needles. The design will also allow us to assess for any learner effect with using the new plastic cannulae. Subjects will be randomly allocated to one of four treatment sequences, so that we can assess for treatment order effect. Each patient will use both devices equally over the four month period. They will be randomised into four different arms of the trial consisting of four different regimens. The four different regimens will be one month blocks consisting of the use of the devices for every dialysis session during that month as followed; 1) Plastic, Metal, Plastic, Metal 2) Metal, Plastic, Plastic, Metal 3) Plastic, Metal, Metal, Plastic 4) Metal, Plastic, Metal, Plastic There will be no washout period but the crossover design is to minimise bias as much as possible. Each patient will have the device they are required to be using for the month in adherance to the trial protocol, clearly labelled on their care path.