Body drainage tubes are required in a wide variety of applications in the healthcare industry. Many individuals who receive home care use these tubes to drain excess fluids from the body. These tubes will, over time, become dirty or contaminated with use and must be cleaned to ensure the health of an individual. If you or a loved one is receiving home care, you may want to choose to maintain and clean body drainage tubes on your own. Fortunately, doing so requires very little effort, and it isn't difficult to learn.
Emptying the Drain Bag
After washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, hold the drainage bag over a measuring cup (a doctor may have provided the cup for you to collect and monitor fluids being drained). The valve on the bottom of the bag should be turned counterclockwise, which will release the fluids into the cup. Place the bag on a clean sink and press the air out of it until it lies completely flat, and then turn the valve clockwise in order to close it up again. The drainage bag may now be reattached to the body or clothing.
Flushing Tubes
The tubes connected to the drainage bag will need to be flushed with a saline solution regularly to keep them from becoming contaminated. 10cc of sterile water (not tap water) or a sterile saline solution will suffice for flushing. Clean the flushing port with an alcohol swab, and attach the syringe containing the 10cc of solution to the port. Gently and slowly press the plunger down, releasing the fluid into the drainage tube. Do not continue if you feel any pressure or resistance---this is not normal and will require a medical care professional to tell you proceed. When you are finished with the procedure, simply remove and dispose of the syringe.
Tube Maintenance
Check the tubes often for any additional bending, cracking, or kinking. The tube should be transparent. If it appears to be covered inside with a film, or if you cannot see through the tube, it probably needs to be changed. Do not continue using tubes that seem to have sediment or buildup inside of them. If the outside of the tube becomes dirty, you can wash it off with a warm, soapy rag. Be gentle, and dry the tube when you are through cleaning it.
Tags: drainage tubes, home care, saline solution