What is the difference between the ASEPT Bottle Drainage Kit and the Drainage Bag Kit?

Depending on your prescription you have been provided with the ASEPT Bottle Kit or the Drainage Bag Kit. The Bottle Drainage Kit is generally sufficient for Pleural (Chest) drainage or for Peritoneal (Abdominal) Drainage. The Drainage Bag Kit can ONLY be used for Peritoneal Drainage and utilizes gravity for drainage. It is at your physician’s discretion which kit to prescribe.

What if I feel pain or discomfort when draining fluid?

It is normal to feel some discomfort when draining especially in the chest area. Use the white pinch clamp on the drain line to slow the flow of fluid. This may relieve some of the discomfort. If you feel an unusual or
increasing discomfort stop the drainage procedure and contact your doctor or nurse. If you feel discomfort or shortness of breath after draining contact your doctor or nurse.

What if the fluid drained looks very different than in previous drainage procedures?

If the color or consistency changes drastically from one drainage procedure to the next, inform your doctor or nurse.

How often should I drain the fluid from my chest
or abdomen (peritoneum)?

You should always follow your doctor’s directions in regards to amount and frequency of fluid drainage. However, do not drain more fluid than the size of the bottle or bag.

Can I shower with the catheter in place?

Yes, as long as the self-adhesive dressing is securely covering the catheter, entrance site, and gauze pads you can shower. Make sure to check prior to taking a shower that the dressing has not become loose as it may allow water to penetrate. If you do get water below the self adhesive dressing and the gauze pads become wet, immediately remove the dressing, then dry and clean the area around the catheter. Use a new procedure pack and follow the Instructions for Use for the dressing
change.

What if the amount of fluid drained has decreased drastically?

If the amount of fluid drained has decreased over time or you drain 50mLs or less during any given drainage procedure, inform your doctor or nurse. The catheter may need to be removed or replaced.

What if the fluid suddenly stops draining or what if there is no fluid flow at all?

• For Drainage with the Bottle Kit ONLY:
  Check to make sure the green vacuum indicator on the vacuum bottle is not all the way up and expanded. If it is, open a new drainage kit and start over.
• For Drainage with the Drainage Bag Kits ONLY:
  Ensure that the Drainage Bag and Drain line is lower than your Catheter/Catheter Valve. The Bag requires gravity assistance for the fluid to flow.
• The catheter valve may have become blocked or the connector on the drain line may not be firmly connected to the catheter valve. Disconnect, clean the valve with an alcohol wipe, and reconnect it firmly. If this does not help, try using a new drainage kit.

If there is still no fluid flow from the catheter, it may have become occluded. Disconnect the catheter from the drain line using proper procedures as outlined in the Instructions for Use. Clean the skin around the catheter exit site and use the dressing change items to cover the catheter. Contact your doctor or nurse.

What happens if the catheter is accidentally pulled out?

The catheter has been designed for secure placement and cannot be easily pulled out under normal circumstances. In the very unlikely event that the catheter gets pulled out, clean the wound immediately. Use a new procedure pack and cover the wound with gauze pads and the self-adhesive dressing. Contact your doctor or nurse immediately.

What if there are any signs of infection around the catheter exit site?

Some redness around the catheter exit site is normal, especially after the initial placement. If you suspect an infection, contact your doctor or nurse. Signs of infection include but are not limited to fever and increased sensitivity, pain, redness, and/or swelling around the catheter exit site.

What if the catheter gets cut, punctured or damaged?

If the catheter gets cut, punctured, or damaged, immediately pinch the catheter closed between your fingers. Push the blue emergency slide clamp that is included in the procedure pack over the catheter between your body and the cut or leak. Be sure to push the catheter completely into the small end of the clamp, as this will close the catheter. Seek medical help immediately! This is especially important if you have a chest catheter. Air could have entered your chest cavity which is an emergency situation.

How can I get additional ASEPT Drainage Kits?

If you need to order refills contact McCormick Medical
Distribution Telephone: (425) 778-4421 Fax: (425) 776-2433.
McCormick Medical will generally contact you as well when it is time for re-ordering.

When do I need to re-order ASEPT Drainage Kits?

You should re-order when you have only a week’s worth of supplies left. Generally this is 3-4 Drainage Kits.

Where can my doctor re-order ASEPT Accessories?

Your doctor should have his or her sales representative’s contact information. If this is not the case or if you are referred to a new hospital or physician have him/her contact PFM Medical, Inc. at (760) 758-8749.

• We hope that the FAQs listed answered most of your questions. For additional questions on draining fluid, please refer to the Instructions for Use or contact your doctor or nurse.