Taking care of your drain

This is not a substitute for direct care by YOUR doctor. Confirm with your doctor before doing any of the following.

General

Inspect tube frequently for kinks especially if the dressing is wet and leaking
Record the amount and color of the fluid every time you empty the bag. Empty the drainage bag at the same time each day or when it is 2/3 full. It may be emptied into the toilet.
Empty the drainage bag through the spout at the bottom of the bag. DO NOT disconnect the tube from the bag to drain it.
Record the total amount of drainage every 24 hours.
Keep bag below the insertion site to allow for free flow of drainage by gravity
You need to flush your tube with 10ml sterile saline three times a day (unless instructed differently).

How to flush your tube:

Place paper towel or clean washable towel under the tube
Hold the end of the tube stable and disconnect drainage bag from the tube by gently turning drainage bag tubing to the left. There is no need to clamp off the tube. DO NOT turn the locking device at the end of the tube. It should stay in the locked position. If it does not, the tube may fall out.
Once disconnected, connect the flush syringe by screwing on to the end of the tube and flush saline into the tube.
Disconnect the flush syringe and reconnect the drainage bag.

Bathing

Dressing Changes

The dressing should be changed at least every two days and after every shower
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
Take off the old dressing and discard
Inspect the site for redness, swelling, tenderness or foul/bloody drainage
Clean the insertion area (where the tube goes into the skin) with soap and water (may be done in the shower). Dry gently and thoroughly.
Cover the site with gauze and tape to skin

Activity

You may resume your normal activities as tolerated
Keep the tube secure at all times (you may tape it to your skin) and avoid tugging on it.