PureWick Accessory Replacement Kit FAQs
Who Should Be Using the PureWick System?
The PureWick System (used with either the Female or Male External Catheter) may be a good option for adult patients/users who:
- Desire a non-invasive way to manage urine output.
- Are post-surgical or immobile, or have been placed on bed rest.
- Find using a bedpan difficult.
- Have difficulty walking from bed to toilet or chair to toilet.
- Experience skin irritation or breakdown due to urinary incontinence or incontinence pads.
- Have disrupted sleep due to urinary incontinence.
- Require urine monitoring but do not meet indications for the use of a Foley catheter.
My loved one needs more support than I can provide alone. Can you help?
If you're managing complex care beyond supplies, our Care Coordination team can help you build a personalized plan—which may be covered by Medicare for eligible members. We navigate insurance coverage, coordinate with providers, and connect you to services like in-home support, transportation assistance, and meal programs. Most members pay nothing out of pocket. [Learn about Care Coordination Services]
Who Should NOT Use the PureWick System?
Universal System Contraindications (Both Male and Female):
- Individuals currently experiencing urinary retention.
- Patients/users who are agitated or uncooperative and might attempt to remove the external catheter.
- Those who are ambulatory and move safely to the restroom without assistance.
How to Place a PureWick Female External Catheter (FEC):
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Using standard suction tubing, connect the PureWick Female External Catheter to the collection canister.
- Perform perineal check and assess skin integrity.
- Separate legs, gluteus muscles, and labia. Palpate the pubic bone for an anatomical marker.
- Gauze side facing patient, align the distal end of the external catheter at the gluteal cleft. Gently tuck the gauze side between separated gluteus and labia.
- Place legs back together slowly.
How to Place a PureWick Male External Catheter (MEC):
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- If there is significant pubic hair, trim or clip the hair.
- Using standard suction tubing, connect the PureWick Male External Catheter to the collection canister.
- Perform perineal check and assess skin integrity.
- Separate legs and gluteus muscles.
- Slide the opening of the device over the penis until it is close to the pelvic skin. Center the penis within the opening.
- Remove the adhesive liner and firmly press the device against the pelvic skin to adhere. Ensure the base has fully adhered around the base of the penis.
- Important Note: The scrotum should not be placed inside the device.
How to Remove the PureWick External Catheter (Male or Female):
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Fully separate the patient’s legs, gluteus muscles, and labia (for FEC removal).
- Gently pull the external catheter directly outward. Make sure suction is maintained during removal to avoid potential injury to the skin.
How often should the accessories and PureWick Urine Collection System be cleaned?
The accessories (canister and tubing) and the PureWick Urine Collection System should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Detailed instructions are outlined in the PureWick Urine Collection System User Guide.
How often do you need to replace the canister and tubing?
The canister and tubing (the Accessory Kit components) should be replaced every 60 days or per facility protocol, whichever is sooner.
The label on the PureWick Urine Collection System says the product contains lead. What part of the device contains lead?
The power cord is the part of the device that contains lead, which is contained in the interior wiring of the power cord.
How much suction is coming from the PureWick Urine Collection System?
The system provides approximately 120 mmHg – 140 mmHg of suction.
