Tru-Close Drain Care
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about a Tru-Close® drain:
A Tru-Close® drain is a closed suction drainage system used to remove fluids that build up in an area of your body. The drain is a device with bellows attached to a collection bag which is connected to a tube. One end of the tube is placed inside the area to be drained. The other end comes out through a small cut in your skin, called the drain site. The device is connected to this end. You may have 1 or more stitches to hold the tube in place. The bellows on the device are squeezed flat to create suction in the tube. The bellows expand as it fills with fluid. The fluid then drains from the bellows into the collection bag.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your drain breaks or comes out.
- You are bleeding from your drain site.
- The drainage from your drain site smells bad or looks different.
- You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the drain site.
Call your doctor if:
- You suddenly stop draining fluid or think your drain is blocked.
- You have a fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) and chills.
- Your collection bag is leaking, damaged, or smells bad.
- You have questions or concerns about your drain care.
How to empty the collection bag:
Empty the bag when it is half full or every 4 to 8 hours:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Squeeze the bellows to empty the fluid into the bag. Make sure there is no fluid in the tubing.
- Open the port on the bottom of the bag over a measuring cup.
- Let the fluid drain into the cup.
- Clean the port with an alcohol swab or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Squeeze the bellows flat and close the port.
- Make sure the tubing is not kinked or twisted. Reattach the drain to your clothes below your drain site so it does not pull at your skin.
- Measure the amount of fluid you pour out. Write down how much fluid you empty from the drain and the date and time you collected it. Bring this record with you to your follow-up visits.
- Flush the fluid down the toilet. Wash your hands.
Tru-Close® drain removal:
The amount of fluid in the drain should decrease over time. You may need the drain for up to 29 days. Ask your healthcare provider when and how your drain will be removed.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Your drain will be monitored. Your healthcare provider may remove the drain during your visit. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
