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Caring for a Drainage Tube
A drainage tube removes fluid from around an incision. This helps prevent infection. You need to empty the bulb and clean the skin around the drain as often as your health care provider tells you to. Follow the steps below.
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This is what you’ll need:
*Disposable gloves *Measuring cup *Record sheet
*Gauze or paper towel *Sterile cotton swabs or 4" x 4" gauze pads
*Sterile saline or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide
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1 - Empty the Bulb
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* Wash your hands. Put on disposable gloves.
* Point the top of the bulb away from you and remove the stopper.
* Turn the bulb upside down over a measuring cup. Squeeze the fluid into the cup.
* Make sure the bulb is totally empty.
* Record the amount of fluid in the cup. Then empty the cup as directed.
2 - Clean and Reconnect the Bulb
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* Clean the top of the bulb with clean gauze or a paper towel, if needed.
* Roll the bulb up tight to squeeze out all the air. Keep the bulb rolled, and put the stopper back on the top.
3 - Clean the Site
* Wash your hands.
* Then wet a sterile cotton swab or 4" x 4" gauze pad with sterile saline. Or use 0.5% hydrogen peroxide.
* Gently clean the skin around the drain. Always wipe away from the incision. Apply an antibacterial ointment if directed.
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Call your health care provider if you notice :
* The amount of fluid increases or decreases suddenly
* The color, odor, or thickness of the fluid changes
* The tube falls out or the incision opens
* The skin around the drain is red, swollen, painful, or seeping pus
* You have a fever over 101.0°F, or chills
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Clogged Drain: If you notice that the drainage suddenly stops, check the tubing.Wash you hands. Inspect the tubing for small clots which can block the flow. If you see clots, gently squeeze the area with your fingers. Then start at the insertion site and gently squeeze the entire tubing downward toward the bulb. Repeat the procedure. Do not tug on the tubing.Contact your MD if drainage doesn't start in several hours.
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