PureWick Urine Collection System FAQs
Why would I need a PureWick System with the battery option?
The system with built-in battery protection is a convenient option that keeps the system running for up to 8 hours in the event of a power outage or if an outlet is not nearby.
Can I use the PureWick System while it’s charging?
Yes, the PureWick System can be used while it’s plugged in and charging.
Is the PureWick System covered by Medicare?
The PureWick Urine Collection System and its accessories are not currently eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
Who Should Be Using This Product?
Adult female & male patients/users who:
- Desire a non-invasive way to manage urine output
- Require urine monitoring but do not meet indications for the use of a Foley catheter
- Are Post-surgical or immobile
- 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 irritation due to urinary incontinence or incontinence pads
- Have disrupted sleep due to urinary incontinence
Who should not use a PureWick External Catheter?
The following individuals may not be the best candidate for external catheters:
- Individuals with urinary retention
- Patients/users who are agitated or uncooperative who might remove the external catheter
- Those who are ambulatory and move safely to the restroom
- Patients/users experiencing menstruation who can not use a tampon
- Individuals who experience skin breakdown at the catheter site
How to use place a PureWick Female External Catheter:
- 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 pubic bone for an anatomical marker.
- Gauze side facing patient, align the distal end of the external catheter at gluteal cleft. Tuck gauze side gently between separated gluteus and labia.
- Place legs back together slowly.
How to Remove a PureWick Female External Catheter:
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Fully separate legs, gluteus muscles, and labia.
- Gently pull external catheter directly outward to avoid potential injury to skin. Make sure suction is maintained during removal.
- Replace every 8-12 hours or if soiled with feces or blood.
- Always check the site for any skin breakdown and perform perineal care prior to placement of a new external catheter.
How often should the accessories and PureWick Urine Collection System be cleaned?
The accessories and the PureWick Urine Collection System should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Detailed instructions on cleaning and disinfection are outlined in the PureWick Urine Collection System User Guide.
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. The lead is contained in the interior wiring of the power cord.
How much suction is coming from the PureWick Urine Collection System?
Approximately 120 mmHg – 140 mmHg.
How often do you need to replace the canister and tubing?
Replace the canister and tubing according to the PureWick Urine Collection System User Guide. Canister and tubing to be replaced every 60 days or per facility protocol, whichever is sooner
Directions
To use the PureWick Urine Collection System with battery, plug the power cord into the device and an outlet with the power switch off, place the sealed collection canister in the base, and connect the tubing from the external catheter to the system. The built-in battery provides up to 8 hours of backup power and recharges while plugged in; a solid green light indicates the battery is fully charged, a slow blink means it's charging, and a fast blink indicates less than 20% battery life.
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Plug in the device: With the power switch off, plug the power cord into the device and an A/C power outlet.
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Insert the canister: Place the collection canister into the base and press down firmly on the lid to ensure it's sealed.
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Connect the tubing: Attach the pump tubing to the system's connector port and the collection canister lid's port.
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Attach the external catheter:
Connect the collector tubing to the port on the canister lid and attach the other end to a PureWick external catheter.
- Turn on the system: Press the on/off switch. The switch light will turn green, and the device will make a soft humming sound when it is working correctly.
Battery instructions
- Charging: The battery recharges whenever the device is plugged in.
- Operating while charging: The system can be used while the battery is recharging.
- Battery status:
- No light: The device is powered off.
- Solid green: The device is on and the battery is fully charged.
- Slowly blinking green: The device is charging.
- Fast blinking green: The device is operating on less than 20% battery.
