Drain Care Steps
Stripping the Drains
While wearing gloves, secure the tube of the drain as it exits your body by holding it between your thumb and forefinger.
Use an alcohol pad between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand to compress the tube.
Gently slide the pad (while still compressing the tube) towards the bulb. You will not be able to slide your fingers away from your body in one stroke. Make several small strokes progressing towards the bulb.
Strip the drains at least 10-12 times throughout the day with gloves and alcohol swab.
Emptying the Drains
When emptying the drains, be sure to wear gloves and use an alcohol pad such that your hands never touch the drain plug.
Open the drain and empty into a container or into a disposal site. Be sure to record the time it was emptied and how much fluid was emptied out. This should be measured in ccs.
Utilize a log to keep track of the information above.
Drains should only be emptied every 24 hours, unless they are full.
Make sure to recharge your drains every time they are emptied. They will look squished or flat instead of looking like a full bulb. Refer to video if you are unsure what this looks like!
Important information to remember
You must stay on antibiotics while you have drains
Make sure drains are secured to your clothing so there are no kinks in the drain tube
Do not shower while you have drains unless otherwise directed by Dr. Rhee. Once you are cleared for showers, you can only shower on days you are coming into the office while your drains are still in place.
Click the video below to watch a video tutorial on how to care for your drains