When it comes to catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), studies suggest that almost 80% of hospitalized patients experience them. This is due to the use of indwelling catheters that are more risky because of their invasive nature. As a result, an approximate cost of around $589 to $1007 per patient for the treatment of such infections puts an immense burden on the healthcare system. As a preventive measure, the use of non-invasive systems like PureWick female external catheters is recommended.
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional urine flow leading to urine leakages
In this article, let us try to answer the question regarding PureWick female external catheters. In addition, some of the best products have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What are Female External Catheters?
Female external catheters are the externally used devices that are employed for managing urinary incontinence among women. These work by sticking to the outer genitalia and sucking the urine from the bladder which is then transferred to the holding canister.
This way, the patient remains comfortable and does not feel wet or irritated as the device keeps the area dry and infection-free.
What are PureWick Female External Catheters?
PureWick female external catheters are non-invasive wicks that are constructed using soft and flexible fabric. These help draw the urine from the urinary bladder into the urine collection canister. Each of these wicks has a life of around 8 to 12 hours after which a replacement is necessary to prevent spillage or possible skin or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Who Needs PureWick Female External Catheters?
PureWick female external catheters are ideal for women dealing with incontinence issues. These can be employed for patients who need catheterization either for a while or for a prolonged period. In the following circumstances, your doctor might recommend the use of PureWick female external catheters for urinary management purposes:
· Poor Bladder Control
With advancing age or after childbirth, women often have altered bladder control. This results in frequent urine leakages that not only make the clothes unclean but also render the person uncomfortable. As a result, the quality of life is reduced. In such cases, the use of PureWick female external catheters is often recommended.
· Urinary Retention Issues
In some women, it is hard to empty their bladder naturally. This might be because of bladder muscle dysfunction, problems associated with nerves, the use of certain medications, as well as some sort of obstruction within the urinary tract.
Whatever the reason may be, PureWick female external catheters can help. These can drain the bladder by sucking the urine out.
· Post-Surgical Assistance
After going through a major surgical procedure, getting up and going to the bathroom is not a possibility in most cases. Here, the use of PureWick female external catheters can help. These are employed for a short while until the patient becomes able to get up and walk.
PureWick female external catheters effectively manage urinary incontinence
PureWick Female External Catheters: Frequently Asked Questions
The following section covers some of the frequently asked questions or FAQs regarding the use of PureWick female external catheters:
1. What is the size of PureWick female external catheters?
The PureWick urine collection systems have a size of 9” x 6.5” x 11”. These are smaller enough to fit on the nightstands or on the side tables.
2. Can I use PureWick female external catheters on my own?
Yes, the PureWick female external catheters are single-use, simple devices that are easy to use. Therefore, these can be employed by the patients themselves. However, if necessary, proper training can be taken from a healthcare provider and the help of a caregiver can be sought.
3. For how long can each PureWick female external catheter be used?
PureWick female external catheters are single-use items that are non-invasive. Each of these catheters should be employed for about 8 to 12 hours. After this time, the catheter needs replacement. However, if the patient soils or there are traces of blood in the catheter, there is an immediate need to replace or remove it for some time based on the doctor’s recommendation.
4. Can I use PureWick female external catheters for 24 hours?
In general, it is not recommended to exceed the period of 8 to 12 hours while using PureWick female external catheters. However, if another catheter is not available for replacement and the patient needs one all the time, then the usage can be exceeded up to 24 hours.
In such cases, it is essential to keep in mind that the risk of urinary tract infections or skin irritation can tremendously exceed. Therefore, look for any signs of redness, irritation, or skin breakdown before applying a new catheter.
5. Do PureWick female external catheters contain latex?
Latex is an irritant material often found in medical products. This causes skin allergies, especially in patients with a sensitive skin type. In PureWick female external catheters, latex has not been included as an ingredient owing to the risks associated with it.
6. How much urine can PureWick female external catheters hold?
The PureWick female external catheters have a canister with a capacity of up to 2000 milliliters (ml or cc). Keep in mind that these canisters should be emptied when the level reaches up to 1800 ml.
7. Can PureWick female external catheters be reused?
No, the PureWick female external catheters cannot be re-employed as these are single-use systems. If these devices are washed, sanitized, or reused, the risk of urinary tract infections or skin breakdown elevates. Moreover, washing and cleaning attempts may also lead to device failure as well as possible user injury.
8. Do the PureWick female external catheters make any noise?
The PureWick female external catheters do not make much noise. That’s why, the users remain comfortable even when they are sleeping. Due to this feature, these systems are often recommended for use in women who are bedridden and need rest, especially after a surgical procedure.
9. Can I wear my underwear while wearing PureWick female external catheters?
Yes, the PureWick female external catheters are small in size and, therefore, do not interfere with the undergarments.
10. After how many employments should I clean the collection canister?
The collection canister as well as the canister lid, pump tubing, and collector tubing should be cleaned and thoroughly disinfected after every employment.
Disposable diapers can also be used for managing urinary incontinence
PureWick Female External Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Female external catheters are the systems that are used for managing urine leakages in patients dealing with incontinence issues. These are non-invasive devices that can only be employed once. Moreover, these are non-sterile and are easy to don on and doff.
While learning about female external catheters, it is also important to become familiar with some of the best products available in the US market. Some of these reliable PureWick female external catheter brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Bard 1183571 Female External Catheter PureWick™ 10 L X1.5 W Inch
Bard 1183571 Female External Catheter PureWick™ 10 L X1.5 W Inch
US$920.88
Product Details
Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters are externally employed devices for managing the leakages of urine during incontinence issues. These have a length of 10 inches while the width of the system is 1.5 inches.
These Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters are also non-sterile and can only be employed once as these are single-use items. This way, the need for washing and cleaning the system for multiple uses is eliminated. After 8 to 12 hours of their usage, these Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters should be disposed of immediately.
Bard # 1118073 Female External Catheter for Vacuum Suction PureWick™ Latex One Size Fits Most
US$650.88
Product Details
Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters are another option used for the management of urinary incontinence issues. These are the systems that have been designed based on the principle of ‘One Size Fits Most’.
These Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters have a working mechanism based on vacuum suctioning that allows the device to pull the urine out of the bladder. Followed by suctioning, the urine is then drained into a collection canister that keeps it stored until emptied.
Moreover, these Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters can only be used once as these are disposable items. The construction material used for their manufacturing is soft and flexible. That’s why, these keep the skin unaffected and free from infections. In addition, the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is lowered.
These Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters are also suitable for sensitive skin types as these are free from latex, a known skin irritant.
Bard # 1158749 Female External Catheter PUREWICK® 10 L X1.5 W Inch
Bard # 1158749 Female External Catheter PUREWICK® 10 L X1.5 W Inch
US$630.88
Product Details
Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters are non-sterile items that are suitable for a single use. Their employment in the management of urinary incontinence is well-known. The length of these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters is 10 inches while the width is up to 1.5 inches.
Moreover, these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters are manufactured using non-irritant materials that are free from latex. Each of these items can be employed for 8 to 12 hours after which a replacement is necessary.
Furthermore, these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters should be inspected before employment to reduce the risk of infections or injuries. Make sure that the packaging is intact and that any component of the urine collection kit is not affected.
Bard # 1180668 Female Catheter for Vacuum Suction Kit PureWick™ One Size Fit Most
Bard # 1180668 Female Catheter for Vacuum Suction Kit PureWick™ One Size Fit Most
US$1,100.88
Product Details
Bard # 1180668 PureWick™ female catheters are used for collecting urine leakages for up to 8 to 10 hours. These are single-use systems that come in a size that suits most women as these are constructed based on the principle of ‘One Size Fit Most’.
Their low-pressure vacuum suctioning mechanism pulls the urine out of the urinary bladder which is then sent to the collection canister. Moreover, these Bard # 1180668 PureWick™ female catheters are single-use items that can be employed for not more than 12 hours. These are also non-sterile items.
Furthermore, these Bard # 1180668 PureWick™ female catheters are comfortable to use. The assembly includes urine collection canisters with lid, collection tubing with elbow connector, as well as pump tubing.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary depending on the vendor.
Urinary incontinence is common among women of all ages
The PureWick female external catheters mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of PureWick female external catheters.
Conclusion
External catheters are employed for managing urine leakages among patients dealing with urinary incontinence. As the issue is common among both males and females, specialized female external catheters known as PureWick female external catheters have been designed.
These PureWick female external catheters are easy-to-use systems that can be employed by the patients themselves. These are constructed using latex-free material that makes sure the product does not irritate the skin. These can be employed for up to 8 to 12 hours.
As external catheters are easy-to-use systems for patients dealing with incontinence issues, these should be bought in bulk to ease future employment. For purchasing PureWick female external catheters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
Catheter-associated infections statistics
https://www.canjurol.com/html/free-articles/Cdn_JU28_I3_09_FREE_DrUhrS.pdf
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
