Features of Purewick Female External Catheter
- Purewick external female catheter helps to reduce urinary catheter days
- Alternative to prolonged Foley catheter use
- Non-invasive urine output measurement
- Lowering CAUTI risk
- A simple, non-invasive urine output management in female
- Protects skin by wicking away urine
- Purewick catheter contains latex
What to buy with Female Catheter
When to use PureWick Female Catheter?
Adult female patients/users who:
- Have been placed on bed rest
- Need urine monitoring but do not meet signs for the use of a Foley catheter
- Find using a bedpan difficult
- Want a non-invasive way to manage urine output
- Have disrupted sleep due to urinary incontinence
- Experience skin irritation or irritation due to urinary incontinence or incontinence pads
- Have difficulty walking from bed to toilet or chair to toilet
- Are Post-surgical or immobile
How PureWick Catheter works?
PureWick Female External Catheter is positioned against the area where urine exits the body. A low pressure vacuum pulls urine through the properly positioned purewick refills. Urine continues through vinyl tubing until it reaches the storage container, away from the body.Wicks are positioned between the labia and gluteus muscles, but do not enter the vagina.
Use in 3 Simple Steps
- Position PureWick Female External Catheter comfortably between the labia and gluteus.
- Attach PureWick Catheter to vacuum source tubing and set hospital wall vacuum or connect to DryDoc Vacuum Station.
- Replace PureWick Female External Catheter at least once every 8-12 hours and when soiled.
Instructions to Use Purewick External Female 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 Catheter to the collection canister.
- Peri-care and Placement of PureWick External Catheter: 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 positioned. Note - 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.
- Removal: To remove the 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 it. After use, this product may be a potential biohazard. Dispose of in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
- Change frequency: Replace 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.
Things to remember while using Female External Catheter
- Not recommended for patients who are: Agitated, combative, or uncooperative and might remove the PureWick 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 External Catheter. Barrier cream may impede suction.
- Contains dry natural rubber. Not recommended for use on patients with a known latex allergy.
- Proceed with caution in patients who have undergone recent surgery of the external urogenital tract.
- Always assess skin for compromise and perform perineal care prior to placement of a new PureWick Female External Catheter.
- Maintain suction until the PureWick External Catheter is fully removed from the patient to avoid urine backflow
- 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 External Catheter against the skin during placement or removal
- Never insert 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.
External Female Catheter FAQs
1. How often do you change a PureWick catheter?
It is advised to change immediately after it is spoiled. Usually, a female catheter is replaced at least once every 8-12 hours.
2. When do you use PureWick?
Purewick is used by women who find it difficult to urinate naturally. The External catheter allows for simple, hassle-free, non-invasive urine output management.
3. Can you feel yourself pee with a catheter?
While wearing a Purewick female catheter, the user may feel as if their bladder is full and it is time for them to urinate.
4. Does PureWick cause UTI?
No, so far, there is no record that indicates that Purewick causes Urinary Tract Infection.
5. Can you sleep on your side with Purewick?
Yes, the patient can recline or lie on her back or side, as well as sit in a chair with a Purewick. Make sure that the product is not positioned beneath the coccyx and all is fine.
