Purewick External Catheter Features
- Bard Purewick Female External Catheter can consistently capture and take away 95% or more of urine without entering or attaching to the body
- Female external catheter helps to facilitate early indwelling catheter removal and may thereby help reduce the risk of catheter-associated UTI
- Purewick female catheter is time-saving and easy to manage, are designed for comfort, which encourages restful sleep
- Purewick external catheter for women provides relieves from nighttime trips to the bathroom, which reduces fall risks
- External catheter works while lying on her back, her side, or seated
- Glue, tape, and straps are not needed
- Urine is not stored close to the body
What to buy with BD PureWick Female External Catheter
How does PureWick work?
- Tucks smoothly between gluteus
- Gently wicks urine away from the body through soft material on the patient-facing side of the wick
- Align against the pubic bone
- Attaches to existing hospital wall vacuum or DryDoc Vacuum station source tubing
How to use PureWick External Catheter?
Setup PureWick
Connect the canister to wall suction and set it 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.
Purewick Catheter Placement and Peri-care
Perform perineal care and assess skin integrity. Separate legs, gluteus muscles, and labia. Palpate pubic bone as anatomical marker
With the soft gauze side facing the 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 the 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 the back with knees bent and thighs apart (lithotomy position) prior to device placement.
How to remove a Female External Catheter?
- To remove the Purewick Catheter, fully separate the legs, gluteus, and labia
- To avoid potential skin injury upon removal, gently pull the PureWick External Catheter directly outward
- Ensure suction is maintained while removing the PureWick Female Catheter.
- After use, this product may be a potential biohazard. Dispose of in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Changing Frequency of PureWick External Female Catheter
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.
User Manual of PureWick Female External Catheter
Recommendations for PureWick Female Catheter
- Wash your hands really well before putting on the PureWick Female Catheter, especially at home.
- Before connecting the catheter to the suction, make sure the suction is working. Cover the suction tube and see if the pressure goes up. If not, check if everything is connected and not twisted.
- Make sure the catheter stays in the right place when you turn the person. Take it off before they start moving around.
- Put the PureWick Catheter snugly between the labia and the bottom to keep it in place. Some people might find using mesh underwear helps.
- Every 2 hours, make sure the catheter is in the right spot and check the person's skin.
- Replace the catheter every 8-12 hours or if it gets dirty with poop or blood.
- Follow the hospital rules for changing the suction tube, or at least do it every thirty days.
Precautions:
- Not for Everyone: This isn't recommended for people who:
- Are upset, fighting, or not cooperating and might take off the Pure Wick Catheter.
- Have a lot of bowel accidents and don't have a way to manage it.
- Have irritated or damaged skin where the catheter goes.
- Have heavy periods and can't use a tampon.
- No Barrier Cream: Don't use any cream on the skin around where the PureWick goes. Creams can stop it from working right.
- Be Careful After Surgery: If someone recently had surgery down there, be careful when using this.
- Check the Skin: Before using a new PureWick, check the skin to make sure it's okay.
- Keep the Suction On: Don't stop the suction until the PureWick is completely taken off. This helps prevent urine from going back in.
Contraindications:
Patients with urinary retention
Things to remember while using Purewick External Catheter For Women
- To avoid potential skin injury, never push or pull the PureWickTM Female External Catheter against the skin during placement or removal.
- Never insert the PureWickTM Female External Catheter into the vagina, anal canal, or other body cavities.
- Not recommended for use on patients with a known latex allergy.
- Discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you change PureWick?
Change it every 8 to 12 hours or if it gets dirty with poop or blood.
Does using PureWick affect movement?
No. Take off the PureWick to help the person move. Put it back when they're ready.
Can we turn a person using PureWick?
Yes. Take off the device before turning it. Put it back after they're turned. If they're on their side, lift their leg before moving the device.
