What to buy with PureWick Catheter
How to use PureWick External Catheter?
Setup PureWick
Connect the canister to wall suction and set to a minimum of 40mmHg continuous suction. Always use the minimum amount of suction necessary.
Using standard suction tubing, connect the Female External Catheter to the collection canister.
Peri-care and Placement of PureWick Device
Perform perineal care and assess skin integrity. Separate legs, gluteus muscles, and labia. Palpate pubic bone as anatomical marker
With soft gauze side facing patient, align the distal end of the PureWick Catheter at the gluteal cleft. Gently tuck soft gauze side between separated gluteus and labia. Ensure that the top of the gauze is aligned with the pubic bone. Slowly place legs back together once the female external urinary collection device is positioned.
Note: Patient can be positioned on the back, side-lying, frog legged, or lying on back with knees bent and thighs apart (lithotomy position) prior to device placement.
Changing Frequency of PureWick External Catheters
Replace the PureWick Female Catheter at least every 8-12 hours or if soiled with feces or blood. Always assess skin for compromise and perform perineal care prior to placement of a new PureWick External Catheter.
Bard PureWick Female External Catheter User Manual
Warnings:
- Do not use the PureWick External Catheter with a bedpan or any material that does not allow for sufficient airflow
- To avoid potential skin injury, never push or pull the PureWick Catheter against the skin during pure wick placement or removal
- Never insert the Female Catheter into vagina, anal canal, or other body cavities
- Discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs
- After use, this product may be a potential biohazard. Dispose of in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Precautions:
- Not recommended for patients who are:
- Agitated, combative, or uncooperative and might remove the Pure Wick Catheter
- Having frequent episodes of bowel incontinence without a fecal management system in place
- Experiencing skin irritation or breakdown at the site
- Experiencing moderate/heavy menstruation and cannot use a tampon
- Do not use a barrier cream on the perineum when using the PureWick System. Barrier cream may impede suction.
- Proceed with caution in patient responsible who have undergone recent surgery on the external urogenital tract.
- Always assess skin for compromise and perform perineal care prior to placement of a new PureWick External Female Condom Catheter.
- Maintain suction until the PureWick External Catheter is fully removed from the patient to avoid urine backflow
Contraindications: Patients with urinary retention
Purewick Urine Collection System FAQ
What if the PUREWICK Catheter leaks?
Accurate positioning is key to preventing leaks. Place the Female External Catheter snugly against the perineum, aligning the top of white gauze against the pubic bone. The urethra should be aligned approximately 1/3 of the way down the length of the product. Tuck the end of the Female External PureWick Catheter between the gluteal muscles. After confirming proper positioning, check wall vacuum function.
Can the Purewick System be used when the patient is on her side or sitting in a chair?
Yes, the PUREWICK female catheter external may be used when the patient is lying or reclining on her back or side, as well as when seated in a chair. Care must be taken to ensure that the product is not positioned beneath the coccyx.
Can we turn a patient who is using the PUREWICK System?
Yes, remove the device before turning the patient. After repositioning the patient, examine the perineum then properly position the product back into place. If lying on her side, lift the patient’s leg before removing or repositioning the product.
Can patients wear underwear?
Yes, patients can wear underwear. In fact, netted or mesh underwear may help secure the product, especially with very thin or frail patients.
Who is a good candidate for the PUREWICK Female External Catheter?
Patient requiring urine output monitoring but does not meet indications for indwelling Foley catheterization
- Urinary incontinence and/or frequent urination
- Difficulty walking from bed or chair to toilet
- Difficulty using a bedpan
- Post-surgical or procedure immobility
- Skin injury or irritation related to urinary incontinence or diapers
- Bedrest orders
What if a patient has loose bowel movements?
A stool management system may be used in conjunction with the Purewick Urine Collection System to help keep the patient clean and dry. Clean the perineum after each loose bowel movement and replace product if soiled.
Does the suction hold the Pure Wick External Catheter in place?
No, the Women's External Catheter is held in place by the labia and gluteus. The suction is not felt by the patient
